Encouraging Students to Effectively Communicate
Students come from different backgrounds and specific needs are on a case-per-case basis. Investigating what works with each student will encourage effective communication needs are being met. What is another way to encourage effective communication?
Christopher,
Many messages pass through our computer/hands each day. Using these messages and the communication process effectively is essential. Thanks for your input.
In the information age, we have to send, receive, and process huge numbers of messages every day. But effective communication is about more than just exchanging information; it's also about understanding the emotion behind the information. Effective communication can improve relationships at home, work, and in social situations by deepening your connections to others and improving teamwork, decision-making, and problem solving. It enables you to communicate even negative or difficult messages without creating conflict or destroying trust.
Ola,
Consistency seems to be a word that has come up over and over again - consistently - Ha! in this forum. It is essential. Thanks for continuing to emphasize this point.
Consistency through communication helps the students understand what to expect from week to week in a course. Following up with students who are not active help as well bring up any questions. Reaching out to students to make sure they catch up within the course.
Kathleen,
Sounds like you have developed that pattern of communication. The students will know what to expect. Thanks for sharing.
I post two announcements each week to the students. I describe the upcoming chapter and give some suggestions for personal use.
If I haven't heard from a student for a week, I send a personal email asking if everything is alright. Many times this results in a reply from a student thanking me for my interest and stating that he/she will get back on track.
Monica,
Yes, your modeling appropriate communication and behavior is an excellent technique. When you're excited about the topic, they may be too. Just don't take over the discussion. Bring them all in on the conversation. Thanks!
One thing I found to be helpful to encourage effective communication is the model that behavior in weekly messages to the class. This shows interest, excitement, along with modeling the type of response desired for other coursework.
Yetunde,
Yes, we all learn differently and we all communication differently. Each class and each student can be different, but we keep trying. It's what we need to do. Thanks for your input.
Elizabeth,
I use students as leaders of a discussion board group. Every week someone else may be the leader. They begin to see how difficult it is at times to communication and develop ways to engage others when it's their responsibility. Then they are more likely to participate after they have been the leader. It works for me.
We should definitely pay attention to students if a communication gap is observed and find a way to meet the student's specific need.
