Karen,
It is amazing how we can start to develop frequently asked questions as students semester after semester have the same questions. it is very helpful. I agree that the FAQ helps all involved. Thanks for your input.
I try to model good communication by providing my students with information that will answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Also students struggle with policies and procedures for their classes so I provide information that speaks to my expectations and this helps the student to meet the expectations without e-mailing me to ask whether or not they can do something.
I respond to student e-mails daily, making that one of the first things that I do each day so that I can ensure they have the necessary information they need to complete their tasks. I find that this really cuts down on their frustration, especially when they have a question about how to complete an assignment or if they have a problem with the third party software being used.
Anne,
As you set the tone (from day 1), the students see that you are the role model they need. We have to communicate effectively - that's the essential thing. Thank you.
One of the most important factors in communication is setting the tone to enhance the learning environment. Whether a student has a question regarding an assignment or they are venting a frustration, the return communication is factual and to the point with a little empathy and reality thrown in.
Kara,
There is a fine line between being present and taking over a discussion board. Sounds like you are doing an overwhelming job of communicating with students. Thanks for your input.
I make sure to be present in the discussion boards. This greatly helps me with communication. I respond to emails timely and phonecalls also. When I see a student struggling with their grades, I call them and email them to talk to them about what we need to do to bring up their grades.
Kara
revonna,
Yes, the more examples the merrier. Please share whatever you can.
Thanks!
Christine, what type of examples do you share with your students? Can you provide an example, maybe this is something I can consider using as well. Thanks for sharing.
Christine,
Love your Q & A style. We can learn a lot from these examples and maybe even incorporate them into our syllabus.
Thanks for your input.
revonna,
We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are the role models. When we are good communicators, we serve as that role model to our students. Thanks for your good points!
WRITING A PROFESSIONAL E-MAIL
Q: How should I format a professional e-mail (to a colleague, boss, instructor, peer, client etc)?
A: One of the most important ways we communicate today is through e-mail. When communicating in your career, in school, or in other formal environments, it is important to write professionally. The emails we send will shape professional opinion about us, and in many settings email is the primary way those opinions will be formed. A well crafted e-mail will most often give you better results and demonstrate your professionalism.
The basic e-mail structure has three parts, each is important: greeting, then the body of the e-mail which clearly and simply explains the purpose of your e-mail, and the sign off.
Dear Steve: (****greeting)
I have a follow-up question if you have a moment. I have been looking at examples of the traditional color wheel online, and noticed that though they appear to be quite similar, there are subtle differences in the colors that are represented (e.g. the red in one appears to be darker, others are lighter etc). Why is this? Is there a ‘correct’ wheel? (body of e-mail)
Thanks!
Caroline Smith (sign off)
Keep it short, and make sure you identify exactly what is the purpose of the e-mail. Try to give specific information to help your reader understand your questions or concerns. For example, if you are asking about an assignment, it is helpful to include which assignment and for what class, and what specifically you want to know. It can also be helpful to know what steps you have already taken to solve the problem (if appropriate).
****When you can omit the greeting: If you have more than one exchange on a topic, then the rules relax a bit, and you can omit the greeting. It is considered less than professional, however, to not to use a greeting on a first exchange, especially the first time you make a new contact.
Q: What to avoid?
A: It probably doesn't need to be said, but when you are writing someone -- your boss, colleague, client or instructor -- maintaining a courteous and professional tone is of the utmost importance. Just like the saying "Think before you speak", when it comes to email, "Think before you press send".
Christine, what type of examples do you share with your students? Can you provide an example, maybe this is something I can consider using as well. Thanks for sharing.
How do you model good communication that works in your favor regarding workload?
Students are allowed to communicate with me via email, telephone, skype, discussion board, etc. their choice. I am open to communicate with students during my office hours and during work time. If I can talk with students, I certainly will. I have found that teaching finance, students get discourage at times, and I try to make myself available to help students as much as I can, this seems to help ease stress for the students and helps me to make sure the students understand (less emails I will receive) and they can feel comfortable proceeding with the assignments.
Vimlarani,
Obviously there can be some misunderstandings in written communication - especially email. We have to keep it all professional and communication well. Thanks for your input.
• First, unlike with telephone conversations or face-to-face meetings, these written messages lack the supplementary cues of a tone of voice or body language to help the recruiter interpret what you're "saying." It's not surprising, therefore, that half of the respondents in a survey conducted by Vault.com reported that the tone of an e-mail message was sometimes misunderstood.
• Second, e-mail actually conveys two messages. The first is what you say. The second is how you say it. The grammar and vocabulary with which you express yourself add another dimension that recruiters can and do use to evaluate you as a prospective employee.
• Always do you homework.
• Always begin your message with a salutation.
• Always follow the rules of good grammar.
• Keep it short and to the point.
• Always close the message with your name and contact information (to include your telephone number).
• Always proof read your message several times to make sure that all misspellings and grammatical errors have been eliminated.
• Always, always be polite and communicate with others as you would like them to communicate with you.
LaShanta ,
Providing due dates and giving students ample time to meet those due dates is a good strategy. It goes hand-in-hand, however, with the good communication you talk about. Thanks for your input.
I use my judgment and when people ask you to do things they usually tell you when they need it by, but you have to use your common sense as well. The way I do it is I tend to create a to do list on the computer using the task bar in Microsoft Outlook and for each task I set a deadline. This way things don't get overlooked during the course of the day and helps you manage your time effectively.
Effectively communicating by use of email, phone, and learning tools can also help me manage my workload.
LSingleton
Matt,
I like the way you organize your messages. I think we can all learn from this. Organization is a key component to online learning and teaching. Thanks!
I model good communication and minimize workload by being clear, concise, and organized in my communications. To do this I arrange each message into a thesis, supporting details, and a summary.
For example, in this very message I used my first paragraph to establish a thesis and now I can discuss it and use examples to help explain it. To illustrate, if a student e-mails me with a question, I first provide the high-level answer to the question. Then I explain that high-level answer, provide the rationale for it, and use an example. By taking this approach, I can provide a clear answer to the student and avoid unnecessary follow-on e-mail communications that would result from an unclear answer.
By organizing discussion board posts, e-mail communications, announcements, and gradebook feedback according to this basic and simple principle, I can model effective communication and keep my workload to a minimum.
Donald,
You are setting a good example and serving as a role model for the students. You should tell Ms. Range she rocks! ;-) Thanks!
