Belinda and Krista,
Yes, the Code of Conduct should be clear and easy to follow. Offering examples many times helps the students understand. Thanks for sharing.
Belinda,
Right on. As an effective communicator and facilitator you have to be able to communicate in a timely manner. My timeline is 24 hours, but I explain that up front and many times I respond much faster.
Russell,
Yes, be there for them. I have virtual office hours, am available through Blackboard, email, phone, etc. This helps students feel, as you said, "as ease." Good point.
I am finding it is really important to lay down the expectations in the discussion especially. This really does help eliminate one line answers to the question. I like to encourage my students to dig especially since what they are learning really requires this for their career. This makes their life better because they know from the beginning what I expect and it also leaves them with the responsibility to deliver or choose not to and then suffer the consequence of a lesser grade.
It is also extremely important for me as the instructor to follow the same expectations laid down for the class. This shows the students that don't just teach "do as I say and not as I do". The students then get the benefit of much more from me as well.
Russell,
I put it in my syllabus that proactive communication is best. Don't wait until the last minute. When you don't understand, say so immediately. I also provide examples of good discussion board communication, proper email communication, etc. Hope this helps.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to do are: make clear to students the correct way to behave and what is expected of him/ her; provide transparency of the communication process.
Hello David,
I agree that consistency and frequency are the keys to effective communication with students. What would you suggest as effective ways in order to let students know that communication is important, necessary, and exactly what types are available?
Russell
Make it clear to each student that you as the instructor are easily and readily accessible. From the start of the class it is the instructor’s responsibility to make it clear to students what avenues of communication are available. These avenues would include emailing, office hours, chat sessions, and phone messaging.
Make sure that students and instructor have several communication methods available within the classroom. Students should be able to select a way of communication with the instructor that fits their particular, ability, personality, and comfort zone. When a student feels at ease communicating with the instructor (and other students when needed) then learning becomes less obstructed.
Hello Krista: I agree with you that facilitators should provide their Communication Code of Conduct in a way that is understandable. Then they should model the behavior they want their students to follow. Modeling proper communication behavior provides a model for students to follow.
When establishing a pattern of communication, I believe the two most important things to consider are frequency in communication and consistency. Students should not have to wait over 24 hours for a response to their questions. Also, facilitators should set the example of how often they will communicate via e-mail, discussion boards, etc so that students will know when they can expect a response from their facilitator.
John,
I tell students that even ail with faculty is professional communication.
John,
David,
You use great words to explain the communication process. Consistency is essential.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Dawn ,
Dawn ,
Guidelines and expectations must be set. Excellent.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I agree. Many students us IM speak for email or worse to communicate with their instructors. I correct this and always work to use proper email format when communicating with students.
I believe the two most important things in establishing a pattern of communications are setting a good example and consistency.
Leading by example is always a good idea. Students model an instructor more readily than they adhere to a set of policies or procedures they consider arbitrary.
Being consistent also reinforced professionalism with students. Knowing that a repetitive pattern of behaviors will be rewarded or punished allows students to move freely within the boundaries of the classroom and find their niche. It removes the stress of wondering how an instructor will react and allows a stronger concentration on learning.
I believe for my class the two most important things to consider for establishing a pattern of communication are making sure I have a clear and precise policy, and consistency. It is important to make sure that the students are not confused, and know what is acceptable and not acceptable communication. I establish very early in the course as to how many posts the student will need to do in order to meet standards, how long each post should be, and provide suggestions for posts to fellow classmates that they may want to consider. I want them to add new material to the discussion so I make sure to make clear that they must use research to back up any information they provide. With regard to consistency, the students need to be consistent in their communication, not only with their professor, but with their peers as well. Each student needs to provide in-depth responses to the topics that we discuss, and provide research that can back up their claims with facts. Each student must be accountable for his or her work, and by being consistent, I believe the students are more apt to complete their work on time and correctly.
I believe that the two most important things when establishing a pattern of communication is:
1 - Guidelines that promote respectful and appropriate communication
2 - Guidelines that work for the student as well as the instructor.
Respectful and appropriate communication allows the students to feel comfortable interacting with one another as well as with the instructor. It forms a more relaxed and trusting atmosphere for the students to learn in.
Communication guidelines are of no use if they do not work for the instructor as well as the student otherwise you have defeated the idea of good communication. We can implement any plan we want to but if the end result does not promote good and easy communication between all parties it is not worth having in place.
Dawn Huber
George,
These are three excellent essential elements in establishing a pattern of communication. Nice job.
Gretchen,
You are right. As instructors, setting the boundaries is important. Thanks for sharing.
When I establish patterns of communication I think the below are important. Ongoing communication should always be critical and it assist students and keeps them up to date with things.
Feedback is important because students want to know how they are doing and it is our job to provide that so they can improve if needed.
Support is so very important; especially tech support. With technology and the many issues; technical support should always be available tos tudents.
•Ongoing Communication
•Formative feedback/evaluation
•Supporting
