Teacher tips: communication

A vital factor in the teaching  (1)

Lisa Gayagay

Communication is a vital factor in the teaching and learning process. The way a teacher communicates with her students greatly affects the kind of class the teacher is going to create. If the teacher knows how to communicate with her students there is no reason why she will not achieve her teaching goals and make her students better learners. They say that good teachers know how to communicate and good teachers are able to communicate with their students properly.

In education, communication is very important, especially in the part of the teacher who is dealing with the students everyday. The way the teacher imparts knowledge to the students and the way she conveys her message to them will affect greatly the relationship of the students and the teacher. With good communication and good relationship between the teacher and the students, the objectives of the teacher will be better achieved.

When I was in high school, I had a teacher who was very smart. She really was an intelligent woman but nobody understood her in class. The reason for this was that she starts shouting as soon as she gets inside the classroom. She does not even greet us. Perhaps what made all of us refused to absorb what she wanted to teach us was our fear and dislike of her. In another subject I had this very kind teacher who was very concerned about her students. She started the class by letting us pray and greeting each other. When we didn’t understand the formula she taught us, she went all over it again until we all understood the lesson. She was a very efficient teacher because she knew how to communicate with her students.

A teacher need not be very intelligent to be able to become an efficient teacher for as long as she knows how to communicate with her students. The teacher must bear in mind that good communication with students is one of the key factors in achieving success in teaching that is why it is important that the teacher knows how to communicate with her students. In the lower grades and preschool, communication is perhaps the most important factor that the teacher must consider. Young children are more sensitive that older children and if the teacher does not know how to communicate with the young children, the teacher’s teaching objectives will be impossible to achieve. It is very hard to communicate with young children but if the teacher has the initiative, it is as easy as reciting the alphabet.

The way a teacher talks to the child, even her gestures and the tone of her voice is important when dealing with very young children. There are children who fear teachers with loud voices. It is as simple as that. That is why the teacher must always be careful with the way she communicates with the children. Teachers have different ways of communicating with students but what is important is that the teacher must know how to do it in order to achieve her teaching objectives.

How to improve your communication skills  (2)

Jessica Rangel

Being a teacher means that a person has to be able to communicate with students and other teachers. This means knowing how to communicate using certain words, tone of voice and most importantly knowing how to voice an opinion or concern to parents and students. Learning how to do all of this as a teacher can be a hard thing to learn all at once, which is why teachers have to learn how to hone their communication skills on their own, and continue to do so as they continue with their work.

Teachers often have the harder job when they have to speak to parents about their students, or when they have to voice their opinions to their students about what they think they should work on in class. For this reason, many teachers learn how to improve their communication skills by constantly working on their vocabulary and connecting with other teachers.

It is important for teachers to actually know what words to use and with whom. Teachers can improve their communication skills by slowly learning how to voice their opinions with casual wording and learning how other teachers talk to their students. Since teachers do not use the same language with their students that they would with other school officials or their parents, they can always learn how to balance their tone of voice to accommodate different people at the same time.

As important as vocabulary is, teachers can also improve their vocabulary skills and improve their communication skills by taking advanced community classes at a community college. This does not only help people improve their communication skills, but it also helps teachers learn about new ways to talk to their students and know what they have to say.

Taking a communication class in a community college can actually help teachers a lot by constantly updating them on the newest rules of speech and how they can learn to communicate, not only with their students, but with their fellow coworkers. These lessons can help teachers avoid alterations in school and learn how to talk to other people about the problems they are facing at work. The classes are easy and simple, and can be taken at any time. There are many ways to actually take these classes, one of them is online if the person really does not have the time that it takes to go to the classes in person.

Good teachers know how to communicate  (3)

Joan Inong

Communication is one of the keys to a successful education. Many students should learn it, but many teachers should already know how to do it. Good teachers will need to know how to communicate well, not only because it enables them to teach their students better, but also to help them foster better relationships with their students.

While many people think that teachers already know how to communicate by the time they are teaching students, the reality is that many teachers fail to actually use their communication skills in the classroom setting. For example, teachers and parents should communicate often, either through telephone, through meetings, or even through e-mail or written notes. However, teachers and parents rarely do communicate, unless the meeting is mandatory.

Teachers may think that it is the parents’ responsibility to start the conversation about the student, it is actually the teacher’s responsibility to tell the parents about their child’s progress in class. This should be done through weekly or even bi-monthly communication, which doesn’t take long to do. Writing a short e-mail or note or making a quick phone call is easier than saying, Class is dismissed.

Communication between teachers and students, however, are even more important. A teacher who does not know how to explain a concept cannot expect to teach his or her students very well. If that teacher is an English teacher, the irony may be a little too much. Remember that communication plays a vital part in listening, speaking, and even writing. Without the ability to communicate well, a teacher can feel like he or she cannot connect with his or her students.

A good teacher will constantly make positive connections with his or her students. This is a teacher who shows that he/she cares, and this is a teacher who isn’t afraid to make a commitment that means more than just teaching for the required seven or eight hours a day. Good teachers not only want to teach well but they also know that in order to do so, they have to learn how to improve their teaching methods.

Although it seems difficult to find a good teacher, it is sometimes even more difficult to find a teacher who is willing to communicate with his or her students and with those students’ parents. However, since communication plays a vital role in education, it is important for every teacher to learn how to communicate effectively.

effective communication is the only way to do their job (4)

Rachel Pictor Roberts

Some people think that to be a great teacher you need to understand your subject in a profound and detailed way. You should be an expert in your chosen field and keep up to date with current research and schools of thought. For teachers in Junior or Infant schools the requirement for expertise may not be so rigorous but an understanding of the various subjects is still a necessity. You may not have to know absolutely everything but you do need to know enough to actually talk to your students about your subjects.

So, let’s say you’ve trained for many years and you’re an expert Mathematician. You have a class full of young students who may or may not understand the value of what you know. How do you get them to listen? How do you explain the subject to them? How do you make them understand what trigonometry is? Or algebra? Or even addition?

This is where communication skills come in. A really good teacher will understand that people learn in a variety of ways. They’ll also know that their students have different abilities and what seems simple to some will be a milestone to others. A good teacher will be able to listen and take on board what their pupils need. They’ll be able to talk clearly, break up their lessons into logical chunks, and provide visual and practical learning aids like diagrams and experiments.This is because communication is the only possible way of passing on knowledge.

An ineffective communicator would make a very poor teacher. Those with the strongest communication skills will often make the best. This rule applies to anyone in a position of authority although sadly, many managers and teachers don’t seem to realise this. Imagine taking a class in a subject you’re really passionate about – something you’ve always wanted to learn. The teacher has chosen to hold the lesson in a lecture theatre and is reading from a set of notes. They mumble a little. Then they take you through a series of slides, reading out the content on each slide. They do not stop for questions. They refer to terminology you’ve never come across before. Are you bored yet? Could you repeat the last two sentences? Have you started doodling in the margin of your textbook?

Imagine this type of class but with 4 year olds or 10 year olds. They’re probably passing notes or playing with each other’s hair. Now imagine the lesson is taking place in a smaller room with a teacher who makes eye contact, asks questions of the audience and expects to get questions back. They talk clearly and they can tell from your blank expressions when something hasn’t been understood. Maybe they have a graphic or insert an anecdote to explain their ideas in a different way. Do you feel included in this lesson? Are you making a handy list of bullet points? Is the word ‘Aha!’ running through your mind every now and then? This teacher has successfully communicated with you. You may not agree with what they’re telling you but it has registered and you can follow what they’re saying. The good teacher knows that effective communication is the only way to do their job.

technology make communication easy and reliable (5)

Joan Collins

Successful teacher keep an open communication going with their parents. Combining the old with the new, written materials and modern technology make communication easy and reliable. These communication tips will keep the communicative flow between parents and you. Have your students create a weekly newsletter to let parents know what is happening in the classroom. Parents will delight in articles written by their own children and the question of “what are you learning in school” will be answered.

Send postcards to your parents and brag about their children. Every child does something well and every parent loves to hear good things about their children. Positive postcards will help create a positive relationship between the parents, the child and you. Monthly notes that include a calendar give parents something to keep to remind them about important dates. Keep parents abreast of upcoming field trips, class events and holidays.

Schools with websites often give teachers their own page. Put messages for parents on the page. Copy your monthly notes to help the parents who never receive the one you send home with your child. Set up a special e-mail account for your school mail. Collect e-mail addresses from all of your parents. Send regular e-mails to train the parents to watch for them. If all parents have e-mails accounts, this could replace the monthly notes. Weekly newsletters can also be transmitted electronically if your students have access to a word processing program.

Open a school Twitter account and send the address to parents. Accounts that require a password can be set up to protect the privacy of the students and yourself. Send tweets to remind parents about events the following day.  Telephones are the one tool of parental communication that bridge both old and new technology. Like the postcard, a quick phone call can fill parents in on good things their child has done that day. They can also be used to talk to a parent if you are having trouble with a child. Because human nature tends to ignore the good and to focus on the bad, it is important that you realize that parents will be on your side and work with you more if they receive positive communications more frequently than negative ones.

Cell phones can be used for quick questions, answers or comments via text messages. Be certain to get the permission of parents before you do this because some plans may cost money. Facebook pages are another way you can communicate with parents. Create a profile and send contact information to your parents. Update your status to include facts about your school. Only accept friends who are parents and/or students. Do not include personal information on this page; it is only a means of communication for your parents and you. The methods are plentiful and diverse. Make your choices and communicate regularly.

teachers keep in touch with parents  (6)

Phil Hill

Parents trust teachers to educate their children in our schools. But the contract goes further than that. Teachers are virtual parents, particularly for the youngest pupils, during the period the children are under their responsibility. So, it follows that teachers are also in charge of the moral welfare of their pupils.

It is only natural that parents want the best for their children. And they will want to know exactly how their offspring are progressing at school. Thus it is essential that teachers keep in touch with parents – to let them know the good and the bad. Communication is key. Enthusiastic teachers will want to get to know parents well and share any doubts, fears or positives.

A rule that I instituted when I began teaching was to use the back page of a pupil’s exercise book to communicate with parents. Every time a child was set homework, the parent would have to sign the back page saying they had spoken about the work with their child – and add comments if appropriate. The comments I received varied from – ‘OK’, ‘A bit too much homework’, ‘Keep working him hard’ to ‘He was unable to do this homework as he was tired’. It may sound tiresome, but I also phone each parent at least once a month, if only to say hello. It shows I care and is a two-way chat allowing a check on the pupil’s progress. I also encourage parents to call me – I am always available evenigs and weekends – with any worries they have.

All schools hold parents’ evenings. They are a great time to talk through everything and show yuo view each pupil as an individual, not just another member of the class. I also stay behind every Wednesday until 7pm just in case any parent wishes to come in for a confidential chat – and they do. It is not a chore because I have plenty of marking to do anyway.

I initiated a parents’ social evening once a month. We go out together as a group to play ten pin bowling, have a pizza or just share a beer or two. Of course not all parents want to come along or are unable to, but they have been great occasions for breaking down barriers and building a strong camaraderie. I am not looking for parents to say, ‘Oh, he’s a great bloke’. The idea is to try to create an atmosphere where both sides can be honest with each other. And what works for me may not work for the next teacher.

easiest way to get a student to toe the line  (7)

Lokemun Magar

Back in the days when the computer and handphone did not exist as extensively as they do today, and even the telephone was rare, a visit or a letter from the teacher to the parent, or threats by the parent to visit the teacher at school were sufficient to send a child behaving the best that he can. Communication between teachers and parents is the easiest way to get a child to toe the line – he can pull wool over the eyes of neither parent nor teacher. Hence the importance of parent communication tips for teachers.

Teachers in the Secondary School would need to keep communication open with the parents of their students, even if the need is not as evident as in the Primary School. Parents would still need to have access to important information such as examination dates and school holidays so that they can plan their schedules to meet the needs of their teenagers. These parent communication tips will help ease off the burden of communication with your parents and cut dpwn one-on-one communication to a minimum whether you are a teacher in a Secondary or a Primary School.

Send an introductory letter: At the beginning of the year, initiate communication between you and parents with an introductory letter. Include relevant professional details about yourself, subjects you will be teaching your class, mode(s) of communication and contact details, and school website as well as class web log addresses, if any. Have parents initial the letter as acknowledgement of receipt of the letter, as well as update important details such as contact numbers, home and email addresses.

Use the school website: Encourage students to surf the school website for the school calendar for dates of important events, and to communicate these dates to their parents. The use of the school website’s school calendar will save countless correspondence letters between the school and parents on school events and encourage students to be independent and responsible for remembering important events in their school life. You can include the website address in an introductory letter to parents at the beginning of the year.

Have a class blog or Facebook class account: Secondary school students are more independent than Primary School children, and are more adept in handling the computer. Let the Secondary class start and maintain their own class blog. Let them decide on the details in the blog and a roster to update it. The blog will also serve as a wonderful journal of their year together as a class. The blog can also include samples of their work, links to their projects, class photographs, important notes from you to them and interactions among your students. It is good that you reserve the rights of censorship. The Primary class can do an equally good job when handheld by their teachers.

Your students as the messenger: For issues that are work-related and have undesirable consequences, such as repeatedly not completing or handing in homework, let your students convey the news to their parents after counseling them. Let them call their parents in your presence, and talk to them before or after your student’s ‘confession’. Your students are unlikely to try anything else once given a taste of a call. Besides, the counseling and interaction with parents will convince your students that communication between you and their parents is not a remote impossibility. A texted message, sent via your student’s parent’s hand phone number: A message which reads “Hi Jack, remember that assignment that we talked about? Hope to see it on my table tomorrow,” speaks volume when sent through your student’s parent’s contact number. You will definitely get the assignment the next day, and probably a call from the concerned parent.

Although some teachers do divulge their personal hand phone number to their students and parents, it is advisable to not do it if you do not want to be contacted in the middle of the night. If you do so, let your students’ parents know that you will only respond when you are able to, and that a texted message is preferred to a telephone call. As you do not teach your students all the subjects, it is only reasonable that you add a line informing your students’ parents to call the school office if they need to locate their child urgently and their child is not carrying a personal handphone. It is not part of your role and duty as a teacher to provide courier services.

Person to person communication: For all complicated issues, it is best to invite your student’s parents to meet you in school and in a place that both provides privacy but is not too far from help if your parents do turn nasty. Where possible, have a senior teacher or a head with you, with the prior permission given by the parents when contact is first established. Having another colleague as a silent observer is useful and comforting, especially when you are a young and inexperienced teacher and the issue on hand may enrage the parents.

Communication between teachers and parents is of importance. When your students realise that you will contact their parents when the need arises, it is unlikely that they will attempt things that call for attention. View your students’ parents as your partners in their education. View parent-teacher communication as a means to help your students improve, and you will enjoy communicating with your students’ parents even through sticky issues.

students gets the greatest impact of the relationship. (8)

Oluwasegun

Parent-Teacher communication is an important aspect a child’s education. Children whose parents are in constant contact with their teachers have always had an edge in their academics. Cordial relationship with your child teacher is imperative to the child’s high and quality academic and behavioural performance.

A child’s education needs the optimum corporation of both the parents and the teachers. None of the parties should see his or her part as less important. If both parties have good rapport and relationship, the child will definitely love school. There a lot of factors that will make this warm and productive relationship realizable, but good communication is one of the topmost issue. Communication that is rich and mutually respectable will certainly enrich any form of relationship. Communication between teachers and parents has a defined objective of bringing the best out of the child. Although from experience it has been seen that parents teacher communication can be intimidating and uncomfortable, but its pivotal role in bringing out the best in the child can never be overemphasized. The following are crucial issues that make the parent teacher communication important:

1- it gives the child a sense of peace and stability- when a child knows that there is cordiality and warmness between his or her  teacher and the parent, a sense of assurance is created. There is a seamless transition between the home and school because there is no disconnect between what the child hears and experience either at home or in school.

2-Good communication removes the gap in child’s development – when both the parent and the teacher are in constant touch, every stage of the development of the child is closely monitored. The teacher uses his or her professional approach to analyze the child situation while the parent uses his or her experiential disposition to relate with the child’s circumstance. If both parties are always in talking terms, their observations will serve the child right.

3-There is no hiding place for bad behaviour- children are craftier than what the way adult think of them. Adult must not be deceived by the seeming innocence of children; they usually have more on their sleeves than perceived. Parents and teachers need to have maximum disclosure of facts about the child so that the child will not put them at logger head and have hiding place for misbehavior.

4-There is opportunity of nipping in the bud a learning difficulty – an average parent believes that his or her child is very intelligent. Everyone has the right to express that opinion but there are cases for some children that need prompt attention which can be provided adequately by the parents and teachers. Parents and teachers should realize that what either of them does affect the other but the child gets the greatest impact of the relationship.