It is important to first consider your audience. Introductory-level students, for example, may be unfamiliar with industry jargon which would need to be explained. Information may need to be presented in a more elementary fashion.
It is also important to consider the topic of study. Again, industry standards vary among disciplines and establishing a pattern of communication consistent with the discipline being studied could help prepare students for their career in that industry.
When establishing a pattern of communication, what do you believe are the two most important things to consider and why?
1. Rules for communication, tone, emails, questions, and issues related to a communication/netiquette code connected to the University policy.
2. Rubrics and structure for feedback and interactions.
Having procedures and policies in place set the tone then through leading by example once can exemplify the tone. Rubrics and guidelines set parameters that help student’s engagement and gives them control to work as hard as they desire for the grade they choose as it is all transparent.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Oestmann
When establishing a pattern of communication the two most important things to consider are:
1) Communication guidelines ~ where and how to make contact for questions and support. When the professor will be available and what can be expected for time line of response.
2) Netiquette or communication guidelines and professionalism ~ Setting class rules for communication sets the tone for the group and gives a foundation to fall back on if necessary.
Communication guidelines held the students know they are not alone and how they can connect with each other and the professor. Learning patience is tough sometime however understanding that unless there is an emergency all things will be responded to within 24-48 hours gives some structure to the unknown.
Netiquette is essential as the tone of a class can change with one person who is mean spirited to peers or the professor therefore rules for engagement are necessary. This is no different than having rules for wearing shoes and shirts when going into a food establishment. They are basic guides to help everyone be respectful of others. A code we can all share.
Joanna Oestmann
P.,
When students know what to expect, learning outcomes can be more readily achieved. Thanks for your input.
Lisa,
Right on. Serving as a role model is a must. Thanks so much.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to consider are:
1. Are the times when the communication is to take place times when I am going to be available on an on-going basis. If I am not available, then, of course, I am not following the pattern I myself have established, and this is a very poor way to model behavior to mu students.
2. Have I communicated the pattern I have establish to my students together with all rules to be followed in using this pattern. In order to expect students to comply with an established pattern -- with all that that entails, including quid pro quo for NOT following the procedure -- then they must know exactly what is expected of them.
First, my writing in the classroom needs to serve as a model for students to hopefully follow. While this doesn't always work out the way I want, there are some students who do catch on. I use this even as a tool for learning APA citations.
I also respond to students' emails quickly. While there is a 24 hour required response time, I do try to reply to students sooner and if I will be out of the office for some time, I will let them know.
David,
Yes, the audience analysis is of utmost importance. The instructor must understand their students to be able to provide content in a variety of ways and enhance the learning process. As instructors facilitate the learning process, they must engage students and provide consistent communication. Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of communication, especially online the two most important things to consider is knowing your audience and setting and maintaining standards.
As for knowing your audience, if you seek to be understood you need to attempt to understand your audience, in this case the students. What is their preferred method of digital communication? How much information can they “digest� What level of repetition is necessary for them to get the message?
As for setting standards, it is important to set standards and stick to them. When students communicate in a choppy text-speak it is important not to communicate back at the same level. In her post Catherine Tyrie mentions “Consistencyâ€. I agree this is critical. Educators need to develop a “voice†and class communications should happen in that “voiceâ€.
I believe the two most important things are netetiquette and subject engagement.
I have systematically employed Socratic dialogue in every class that I have ever facilitated or taught. As online faculty, I request all students in classes I facilitate to include in the responses for their participation a new subject question in the bottom of every response to promote learning in the class. I am happy to say most students have shared an appreciation to have a peer in the class post a question prompting their thinking.
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The use of Socratic questioning of the Socratic dialogue educes critical thinking. Elder and Paul (1998) provided insight on the value of questioning to stimulate thinking in students stated, "Questions define tasks, express problems, and delineate issues. Answers often signal a full stop in thought. Only when answers generate a further question does thinking continue to create more answers" (p. 1). Employing Socratic dialogue stimulates thinking. The art of Socratic questioning massages the mind. Elder and Paul (1998) posited a very important point on Socratic dialogue for educators.
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The goal of critical thinking is to establish a disciplined 'executive' level of thinking, a powerful inner voice of reason, to monitor, assess, and reconstitute-in a more rational direction-our thinking, feeling, and action. Socratic discussion cultivates that inner voice by providing a public model for it. (p. 3).
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In the article Elder and Paul (1998) provide principles that guide Socratic dialogue. The article is well worth an educator’s interest.
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What are your thoughts?
Reference,
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Elder, L., & Paul, R. (1998, May). The role of
    Socratic questioning in thinking, teaching,Â
    and learning.. Clearing House, 71(5), 297.
   Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.
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I would have to say that code of conduct and consistency.
When you establish the code of conduct for the class, most of the students will see if you are going to go by the rules you established. This is why consistency will be so vital because by standing your ground from the beginning, it really gives you a blueprint for success! Great question.
Danita,
The word "pattern" is key. With clear, consistent, frequent, constructive feedback, we develop an environment to help students learn. As I read your response to this posting, I could see a section in your syllabus describing basically the same thing to the students. The better they understand the expectations not only of the course, but the communication within the course, the more effective the communication will be. Excellent.
Nathan,
Frequent, meaningful, constructive, impactful, timely, consistent, etc. are all key words that can describe effective communication. This hleps provide the structure and support the students need. Nice job.
Melinda ,
There are many aspects to effective communication and you hit the nail on the head with your comments. We have to be clear in our communication to help alleviate misunderstandings and can do that through our tone and demeanor. Nice job.
Melinda ,
I totally agree. Serving as a great role model in your communication and all aspects of respect in the course, etc. is essential. This helps set the proper tone. Thanks for your input.
George,
Thank you for your thorough feedback. Students have to feel they are in a safe environment to participate and feel confortable participating many times. You can help by encouraging some privately to participate and also responding in a positive way to encourage more communication. As you stated, the "ground rules" are extremely important. When everyone understands the expectations, they are more likely to understand what they need to do to be successful. Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things are clearly defining the expectations for communications (communications code/netiquette) and consistently reinforcing the standards.
At the beginning of each session, I provide students with communications guidelines (in a written document posted in the virtual classroom) relative to instructor to student, student to instructor, and student to student communications. Guidelines are further defined for communications by channel type (discussion boards, emails, synchronous sessions, etc.). Tone, the use of all caps, messaging language, respecting diversity in backgrounds and perspectives, and other matters are covered. For instructor to student and student to instructor communications, information is included on how and when I will communicate with students as well as how and when they can communicate with me and expect responses to their communications. Given that backgrounds, online experiences, and general communications strategies can vary among students, it is important to establish the standards to minimize miscommunications and other issues. Furthermore, understanding my availability and response time facilitates open communications.
I consistently reinforce the communications standards through a few practices. I set the example by visibly following the guidelines as stated which reiterates expectations and demonstrates behaviors which any uncertain students can model. In addition, I provide students with proper direction if they are not following standards, often with a reminder of our communications plan for the course (publicly or privately, depending on the situation) and, when appropriate, a private communication to reiterate standards as well as outline the concern with the specific communications issue. Positively acknowledging adherence to the communications plan is equally important to let students know that their compliance is recognized and appreciated.
Communication should be consistent, on time and show critical thinking. That was three :) Consistency in tone and organization of how feedback is provided will provide the students with a structure and that structure helps keep things organized. You start with a compliment, you go into the critique, you end with a supportive word or reminder. That is a loose structure but it helps. On time means students have feedback while the content is still fresh. If you wait too long the feedback loses impact. Critical thinking is important because you have to lead by example. Many students do not have these skills and our responses should support this crucial skill set. If you can lock down those three elements your course should run pretty smooth.
Clarity and tone. All participants in the online realm must write with clarity, so messages are conveyed in the manner they were intended. Also, beause we can't rely on those nonverbal cues, we must utilize an appropriate tone and demeanor.
I know, for me, modeling what I expect in my students is critical. Also, if I have a class where I do have academic freedom I must have a clear syllabus without ambiguity. Students get frustrated and the course gets off on the wrong foot, setting the tone for the duration of the course.
