Henry,
This can be true, however, what do you do to find out the persons true communication preference after both of these actions have been taken?
Dr. Jean Norris
I would send an email and follow that up with a phone call. I think most people like emails more than phone calls.
Why guess, right? Great approach Connie and thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
I usually ask the student how they would like to receive their information. A lot of traditional people have a harder time maneuvering through computers. They rather gather their information by phone and traditional mail. Younger generations usually prefer to gather their information online.. I always ask them how they would like to receive their information!
Using a mixed approach is a great idea when you have different generations in one class. Let us know how it works out for you Darless.
Dr. Jean Norris
I think the different generations are interesting and I usually have one group of each in my classes so I am going to try to say things in a couple different ways so maybe they will all get it. Also I will ask if they did.
Don't you love when we are proven wrong but it works to our advantage?
Thank you!
Yes, creativity is needed as well. I remember the first time I used text messages with students as a form of communication -- I didn't think it would yield any outcomes that a phone call or an email wouldn't, but I was proven wrong!
Great insights Natasa. Your approach to provide options seems like a good way to try to understand a person's communication preference. I think you're right, sometimes it may take a while to clearly understand a communication preference and it's not only patience that is required but creativity as well. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe that we all face this challenge at times in both professional and personal relationships. When I am unsure about a student's, colleague's, or even a new friend's communication preference, I choose to first evaluate their actions and then respond accordingly. With students and colleagues, I usually first attempt to give them options regarding our discussion (i.e. what task to do first, what task is preferred) and that usually reveals that person's preferences. If a person speaks up, I learn that this individual takes charge of what he/she wants to do and is not shy about having preferences. However, if a person says, "I can do either" and he/she refuses to choose, I learn that this individual probably needs guidance and direction and prefers to be told what to do, either on the job or as a student. At times, it takes a while to figure out a person’s communication preference so patience and understanding is required at all times.
My reps will ask the student how they best want to be contacted. This will allow the student to be heard and then the rep can set up expectations around that and come to an agreement that makes everyone happy.
Many times the direct approach does work best. At other times you may encounter a student who might not really understand their communication style, or they think they communicate best one way only to find that another works better. Trying different approaches as you suggest is a great way to determine the best for that particular student. You can also try using a mixed approach and match the styles of the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic students. Thank you for your post Kim.
Great question. Since I teach in an online environment, I don't have the luxury of body language. When it comes to providing feedback, I simply asked directly what is their style in order to meet my students right where they are. I always post on the portal in writing so that there is a common place to work from and no misunderstandings of what information I have provided. They are inevitablely times when someone doesn't understand due to a difference in their communication style. If possible, I ask them to Skype with me so that I can see their body language and even if we cannot talk over the phone, I will ask them to use Go to meeting and we use the chat with I record. For me, the bottom line is to determine if they just need information, want to solve a problem, just need guidance or if there is some other barrier (language, technology, etc) that is a hinderance to their success. As an instructor, it is my goal to tailor my message so that the majority will actively engage. I use polling at the beginning of the course and through the lesson to keep them engaged.
We can make it a lot easier on ourselves if we simply ask for the students' preferred mode of communication. Why guess, right? However, until we have that initial interaction we have to consider the different generational styles and try a few different communication methods until we find the right one. Thank you Jocelyn for your contribution to the forum.
Using the information and tips on how to communicate with the different generations that we have been reviewing can be useful in our initial interaction with a student. Proactively asking at the end of the interview, how would you like for us to follow up with each other gets you the concrete answer you need. In my experience, many Baby Boomers prefer texting over emails, but it has been no surprise that all the Millenials prefer it!
Use active listening skills, ask open ended questions, and read their body language. Mirroring will also help build communication.
Taking the time to get to know your students and understanding their communication preference can help you in many ways. How do you adjust your communication to match the student's preferred communication style?
This is why we get to know each and everyone of our students when they walk in the door. Everyone learns differntly. My age may be from one generation but the way I learn and speak may be from a totally different one.
That's great Karla. What types of questions do you ask to determine their educational goals?
I would first speak with the student/colleague and understand their educational expectations and goals.
