Dell,
Communication is everything! We do need to stress the consequences of not being able to communicate.
Shelly Crider
The way I explain it is that they may be doing a skill with their hands to fix something, but if they have to speak to the customer and use inappropriate language or don't speak clearly then the customer may feel this is how they repair things also.
I would illustrate to my students the value of having effective communication skills by conveying to them active listening. Listening acquiring interest in the subject, responding intelligently,open minded, and your level of communication will be effective.
Amy,
It seems that eye rolling is the latest and greatest non-verbal communication. Yes, it has always been around, but lately it seems to have become very popular!
Shelly Crider
I emphasize to my students how verbal and non-verbal (body language) are both important. Interpersonal communication skills is important when working with patients whether it be retail,institutional or hospital setting. Body language, such as putting hands on hips or rolling of the eyes will NO DOUBT make a patient feel they are not important, you have no interest on wat they have to say. Personal issues stay at the door before coming into work, just as work issues stay at the door before returning home.
cindy,
Oh so true. There are several tests that have very similar names, but test for totally different items. Communication between provider and nurse is a must.
Shelly Crider
communication is so important in the medical field and when working with students in the medical lab they have to communicate everything they will perform on the patient so we are constantly going over and repeating skills to make sure the studnet not only communicates to the patient but understands the importance of the communication that you need to give to the patient so the procedure is being done right.
Courtney,
Personal experiences, good and bad, are excellent way to really get students involved. They like to hear stories from the "real" world.
Shelly Crider
Krista,
Excellent point. Technology is a must know for students, but yet know to how to speak to whomever is in front of them.
Shelly Crider
I like to share experiences that I have had with my students so they can see the importance of effective communication. Written communication on resumes and cover letters can get you a call back for an interview. Communication with your boss or co-workers can make your career more rewarding and successful. Poor communication in a the hospitality industry can result in bad experiences for guests, which can ultimately affect your business!
I teach all IT/Computer classes and I help students learn the value of effective communication through simulated, real-world scenarios. For IT professionals, most of our communication is with colleagues on the “business†side of the job. We have to convey IT needs to Managers (in plain English), translate the needs of the business into realistic and cost-effective IT solutions and know when we can talk “IT†and when we cannot! Many of my assignments include two-part answers: one where the students (or teams) must write an IT solution to their Senior IT Manager and two where they explain the same technical solution to a business manager.
Robert,
There are many programs out there that are free to use in order to get in touch with the students. Skype is one of these.
Shelly Crider
As an online instructor, I believe we need to be able to take advantage of the technology available to communicate with students. For me, one of the key aspects of focus is the way I provide them feedback on their assignment. A thorough approach that helps them understand what they did well and what needs to be improved in their assignment is a key aspect of clear communiction: I want to make sure students understand the message and can use the information to improve their work. The same applies or at least should apply to work environment: effective communicate is essential in order to achieve specific goals. Also, the whole concept of feedback is important: what is communication is we can't measure is effectivness. In other words, effective communication should be linked to the achievement of a goal.
Christine,
This is creative and awesome!! Students may think it is silly to use Legos; however, they are using communication as well as creative thinking!!
Shelly Crider
Some ways I illustrate to my students the value of having effective communication skills are to discuss the process of communication including small group discussions that include listening and giving feedback.
We recently completed a module about writing procedures and instructions in Communication Skills. The students built a model with 15 Legos, wrote and illustrated instructions for constructing the model, and then exchanged model pieces and instruction sheets with other students. The students then built the models by following the instructions given. They wrote notes for feedback to the writer of the instructions and also had the opportunity to give oral feedback on the success or failure of the project. The value of clear, correct, and concise instructions was evident in the success or failure of the completed model.
Clifton,
This is why it is important to share personal experiences with the students as online does not see body language.
Shelly Crider
Wilfred,
This is oh so true! There are times when we have to do verbal and/or nonverbal communication.
Shelly Crider
Effective communication goes a long way for it does not only involves sounds like verbal, but also nonverbal. Students and Instructors alike must be conscious on this for this is where sometimes it can be misinterpreted. Body language can convey a lot of things. Verbal and body language must be congruent. Effective communicator must be conscious to all of these areas.
I explain that,not all problems can be resolved with tecchnical skills alone,and that the need to communicate with others.
christina,
This is very important in every career out there, even if a employee telecommutes!
Shelly Crider
