Absolutely--I agree--active listening is a huge component of the communication process. Due to our busy schedules our tendencies are too not stop and listen to the entire message. Rather after hearing just a few words from the speaker-- we often make up our own conclusion thus our mind is on to our next thought and action.
In an online environment, I believe that CLEAR communication is critical and required. However, a major disadvantage in regards to online teaching is that we [instructors] do not hear our students’ voices nor see their non verbal cues which are huge communication signals that assist facilitators/instructors in determining whether we are going to slow or too fast as well as if the student is simply bored. So I prefer to have an interactive class where students can type at anytime during the chat with questions or additional clarifications. In my first chat I convey these instructions as well as my desire to be informed by them as I am there to help and assist them throughout the course.
In response to the question “as an instructor, which communication skills would you personally wish to improve? Why?” I believe that the most challenging area is being aware that I am listening to a student’s question from only my perspective and nearly ready to answer it before it is entirely presented to me. In other words being presumptuous and not always using active listening skill. In those moments, I pull my reins back and stay in the moment regardless of the chat’s schedule or agenda. After all, my purpose is to be there for the student when I am needed. It is not about me--I am there to serve the student.
From a teaching perspective, I think that one of the most important communication skills is the ability to relate to all students. With one student, it might be that you worked in a similar call center environment when you started university classes. With another student, it might be that you have young children who take up a lot of your time outside of the university environment. This ability to relate is important because it indicates to each student that, as their instructor, you not only care about them but also have respect for them and their life experiences.
Hello!
Effective communication skills are very important in online invironment. It is difficult to communicate with students when you do not see them and they do not see you. That is why I post announcements explaining my expectations and course guidlines and explanations for each assigned task. I provide prompt feedback as well because this is an important way I communicate with students as well. In addition at CTU we have a chance to talk alive to them also, so I try to conduct these chats using clear instructions on how to incorporate this material to their assigned tasks.
Irina
I teach online courses and there is really no personal interaction to be able to visibly see the student reaction to my communication. The most importaant skills in my environment is the ability to communicate via the written word. I also have the ability to communicate via a live chat scenario in which I can provide PPT and lecture. The students are not able to verbally respond within the chat but they can submit a written question or comment. I ask a lot of questions but very few if any of the students respond with a question or comment. I would like to explore how to encourage a better response to the material presented in a live chat.
Brandy,
thank you for pointing this out. I have a diverse classroom teaching in Florida and I agree that it is important to have an effective communication with students to create a positive environment. It is also challenging to create a way to reach every student especially if they have different learning abilities.
Tatiana
Being a teacher in the Online environment, it is especially important to use communication skills that aid the learning styles of all students. In the Online environment, it is easy to lose a students attention. The use of visual aids such as Powerpoints and Whiteboards generally serve those students that are visual learners. Then there is the kinesthetic learner. In these situations, I like to post problems for the students to complete on their own and once the class has completed the problems, I will walk through the problem step by step to ensure that everyone has an understanding of the concept. Finally there is the auditory learner. When teaching this type of student I generally use repetition to clarify what the subject matter. In some cases, students have a combination of all three learning styles and that student benefits greatly from the blend of all 3 approaches.
Another communications skill that I believe is important is Feedback. I believe that providing the student with positive feedback helps to keep the student motivated, it boosts morale and it keeps the student confident in themselves through the term of the course.
The communication skill that I would like to improve on is the Visual communication skills. There are many technologies today that can be incorporated in an Online learning environment such as wikis, google docs, podcasts etc... that can be incorporated into the learning environment. I believe incorporating some of the new technology in the Online Environment will allow the classes to become more interesting for students. I hope to learn more about these topics in the future.
Thanks!
Ju'Ton Hemphill
When I started teaching I was nervous enough and my main concern was to have time to cover the material and maintain the discipline. With time I realized that it is important to make lectures interactive, to give the students opportunity to ask questions and be able to present them with questions as well. I like to have an effective communication with them without being scared that this may take attention away from the discussed topic. Now I am at the point when I am not just lecturing, I am communicating with students during the lesson.
Tatiana
Teachers need to be prepared to use communication skills that account for the diversity present in our nation’s schools. Educators are currently witnessing a clash of cultures in our nation’s classrooms, and effective communication is essential for creating an equitable learning environment. This is an especially important concern for new teachers working in diverse classrooms.
Brandy
I believe that being able to listen to students is just as important as being a good presenter of the material especially in a diverse learning environment. Students want to know that you are listening to their concerns and questions.
Personally, I would like to improve my ability to explain difficult concepts to my students. I don't feel like I do a good job all of the time at this.
Hello Cynthia:
I will also be using the 3 to 5 second rule before responding. I am one of the instructors that hates the silent but I have found that learning is still taking place in the silence. I agree this tip will be helpful in all conversation. I think we all need to be better listeners.
Particularly in an online environment, I think that the ability to "listen" to the student's question before I respond. I cannot assume the question and already have an answer to shoot off. I like the idea of the 3-5 second pause before responding. I find that tip to be helpful in all conversations.
I would like to be able to improve my enunciation skills. I find that over the past few months that I have gotten a little relaxed in that area. I am working to improve on this by listening to myself more and then analyzing what I hear. This is important in an online environment because a student can become frustrated if she feels that there is no clear communication.
Hello- I think being very clear and concise in your communication with students is so very important. I think that as an instructor I need to also take into account student's learning styles and base my communication on that. Will I communicate by lecture, slideshow, visual aides, etc. I think a variety of these is best to make sure you are reaching all students.
As an instructor, I need to develop more authority. I know I am soft-spoken and need to speak more firmly sometimes in order to get my point across.
Good points. Getting students to give their examples brings them into the discussion and relates things in their own lives.
Hello Margie:
I can understand where you are coming from when you speak quickly when you are nervous. I do this also. I also do this when I have all ready taught the class. I forget that my students are taking the class for the first time. I think I will try to make myself a note on a 5 by 7 card and remind myself to pause more often. Maybe if I highlight the note it will cause me to slow down.
Hi Joan, no problem at all, thanks so much for your comments and best wishes for every teaching success!
Jay
Thanks, Tim, for your comments. I have found that adult students are very honest in letting me know if I am proceeding too fast (or too slow) with a presentation and will help gage the pace of the classroom or lab. As we have mentioned before, I often insert a brief story or related example, include an on-the-spot, mini activity, or ask students to paraphrase, in their own words, the topic as a review. This helps to slow things down a bit and hopefully reinforces content as well.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Cindy! Thanks for your example. It's like a presenter who is running out of time and tries to get the balance of the PowerPoint slides covered because they are there. I have found that getting the basic principles down on a topic or subject is far more effective than cramming everything in. It's amazing how sometimes there is considerable filler on a particular topic that we use when time allows.
Thanks again for your on-target observations!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Thanks, Cindy, we can always rely on the fact that we are the subject-matter experts!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Certainly slowing down when communicating with the students is a big key. Being prepared is also important so if you start to get nervous the knowledge kicks in and takes over to calm your nerves.
