Get Your Students Hired
TO ME COMMUNICATION REALLY IS THE KEY.NOT JUST IN THE CLASS ROOM AS INSTRUSTORS,BUT IN ALL OUR RELATIONSHIPS.JUST LOOK HOW MANY SELF HELP BOOKS THERE ARE ON THIS SUBJECT AT A BOOK STORE.THAT TELLS ME IT CANNOT BE PERFECTED.THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR INPROVMENT IN MY COMMUNICATION SKILLS.YES EYE CONTACT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT. I MAKE A POINT TO DO IT HOPING OTHERS WILL ALSO.
Yes, Communication is a large factor in students feeling as though they are a part of the class. Communication also plays a key role in how we present the information to them in class.
I agree because if the student feels uncomfortable communicating with the instructor then how can the instructor access the needs of the student? A pattern of non-communication can be potentially disasterous in my opinion.
Communicating along different avenues is important in the hybrid learing environment. Say it in class, repeat in the discussion threads and post it in the news section as well. Don't assume that making an announcement in one place means students will see it.
I agree with your comment that there is always room for improvement in our communication skills. I find that when I communicate with someone verbally on a topic of importance, whether they are a student or a peer, that it is a good idea to follow that communication in a written format. This way there is no confusion as to exactly what was being communicated. Sometimes, others can misinterpret what is being said due to communication barriers, voice inflections, or simply environmental distractions.
It has been my experience--that when there is clear and concxise communication the classroom environment goes smoothly.
I agree. I think good communication and letting the student know you are there motivates them.