Communication
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From the Literature -
Communication is fundamental to everyday life, with the New London Group defining three domains of communication; our working lives, our public lives and our private lives (cited in Department of Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE, 2013, p. 1). Communication underpins all other professional skills and is one of the most critical aspects of the teaching and learning experience. It refers to the exchange of information, and is a cyclical process, requiring transmission together with feedback for success (Ewing, Lowrie & Higgs, 2010, p. 13). Rodley (2008, p. 1) believes one of the most important skills people need is an awareness of their role in global society, where there is an emphasis on the rapid exchange of information communication. Professional communication skills are used every day within a school, whether they be employed with colleagues, students, their parents and/or other stakeholders. As a member of a large staffing community that extends state-wide, clearly established networks of communication are essential. Spatial and temporal considerations must be taken into account, which leads to the new age model of communication, via digital and social media devices. Emails are now the primary method of inter-school information transmission. Mobile phones and Facebook are also being used with growing frequency.
Effective communication amongst staff is important for a number of reasons. Including but not limited to; staff absences, technology maintenance and breakdown, meetings, parades, general notices, supervisions and internal relief, professional development opportunities, lunches, behaviour management incident reporting, assessment reporting, the sharing of resources and general collaboration regarding lessons and student management.
Within the classroom, communication skills cannot be emphasised enough. Teachers must continually aim for a mastery of communication. Instruction delivery can set the entire tone of a lesson. Communication with students is vital to all classroom operations, such as; class assessments, expectations and rules, procedures, learning goals and of course the understanding and application of the intended knowledge and skill gains.
Ewing, Lowrie and Higgs (2010, p. 15) believe contemporary society needs an expanded set of communication skills, to maintain the ever transforming networking of communication, and further assert, "this is a challenging time for traditional classroom contexts and the nature of the teaching profession".
Communication skills can improve with practice. As people gain better understanding of the clientele they are working with, the appropriate means of communication become clearer. The feedback component of communication cycles, allows for reflection, personal growth and increased specialised knowledge as people are continually gauging others reactions and motivations.
Evidence of my High Quality Practise -
Within my personal practise, I endeavour to continually improve my communication skills, however am already equipped with a very high quality standard of communication skills. Listed below are several direct quotes which make reference to my expertise as a professional communicator -
Further to these comments, I have gauged success by my students reaction to the instructions I give them. As my practical experiences progressed, I gained an expertise in explaining daily tasks, new concepts and stimulating class discussion. I challenged myself to develop questioning techniques, using Bloom's Revised Taxonomy as a guide; as different levels target a variety of responses. I contribute to all staff forums, meetings, professional development seminars and also attended Parent-Teacher interviews with confidence. Self reflection from the commencement of my first practicum to completing my internship proves I have developed sophisticated communication skills, as I have been able to compare the difficulties I faced starting out, to the successes I am experiencing now.
Communication truly underpins all other professional skills, especially the second one for focus, Team Work.
Communication is fundamental to everyday life, with the New London Group defining three domains of communication; our working lives, our public lives and our private lives (cited in Department of Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE, 2013, p. 1). Communication underpins all other professional skills and is one of the most critical aspects of the teaching and learning experience. It refers to the exchange of information, and is a cyclical process, requiring transmission together with feedback for success (Ewing, Lowrie & Higgs, 2010, p. 13). Rodley (2008, p. 1) believes one of the most important skills people need is an awareness of their role in global society, where there is an emphasis on the rapid exchange of information communication. Professional communication skills are used every day within a school, whether they be employed with colleagues, students, their parents and/or other stakeholders. As a member of a large staffing community that extends state-wide, clearly established networks of communication are essential. Spatial and temporal considerations must be taken into account, which leads to the new age model of communication, via digital and social media devices. Emails are now the primary method of inter-school information transmission. Mobile phones and Facebook are also being used with growing frequency.
Effective communication amongst staff is important for a number of reasons. Including but not limited to; staff absences, technology maintenance and breakdown, meetings, parades, general notices, supervisions and internal relief, professional development opportunities, lunches, behaviour management incident reporting, assessment reporting, the sharing of resources and general collaboration regarding lessons and student management.
Within the classroom, communication skills cannot be emphasised enough. Teachers must continually aim for a mastery of communication. Instruction delivery can set the entire tone of a lesson. Communication with students is vital to all classroom operations, such as; class assessments, expectations and rules, procedures, learning goals and of course the understanding and application of the intended knowledge and skill gains.
Ewing, Lowrie and Higgs (2010, p. 15) believe contemporary society needs an expanded set of communication skills, to maintain the ever transforming networking of communication, and further assert, "this is a challenging time for traditional classroom contexts and the nature of the teaching profession".
Communication skills can improve with practice. As people gain better understanding of the clientele they are working with, the appropriate means of communication become clearer. The feedback component of communication cycles, allows for reflection, personal growth and increased specialised knowledge as people are continually gauging others reactions and motivations.
Evidence of my High Quality Practise -
Within my personal practise, I endeavour to continually improve my communication skills, however am already equipped with a very high quality standard of communication skills. Listed below are several direct quotes which make reference to my expertise as a professional communicator -
- "Response is very well structured and shows consideration of your audience, is persuasive and creative" (G. Busch, Lecturer, 2012).
- "Very high quality, effective, fluent and concise presentation of written information" (J. Dargusch, Lecturer, 2012).
- "Your professionalism in all aspects of the job is outstanding" (A. Willis, Mentor Teacher, 2013).
- "Excellent rapport with students, colleagues and others in our school community" (A. Willis, Mentor Teacher, 2013).
Further to these comments, I have gauged success by my students reaction to the instructions I give them. As my practical experiences progressed, I gained an expertise in explaining daily tasks, new concepts and stimulating class discussion. I challenged myself to develop questioning techniques, using Bloom's Revised Taxonomy as a guide; as different levels target a variety of responses. I contribute to all staff forums, meetings, professional development seminars and also attended Parent-Teacher interviews with confidence. Self reflection from the commencement of my first practicum to completing my internship proves I have developed sophisticated communication skills, as I have been able to compare the difficulties I faced starting out, to the successes I am experiencing now.
Communication truly underpins all other professional skills, especially the second one for focus, Team Work.