Planning Communic

ation for

Instructionby

Thanh Truc VuKindergarten

Job Aid for Aspiring Teachers

The difference between a good teacher and great teacher is communication. A great teacher considers the following:

Verbal and nonverbal communicationValuesBarriersTechnologyExamples

Verbal vs. Nonverbal

Verbal• Teachers use explicit instructions

to enhance learning.

• Students use verbal communication to relay their thoughts and ideas.

• Teachers use questioning as a form of communication to foster cognitive skills and further student inquiry.

• Students use verbal communication to discuss, debate, and collaborate.

Nonverbal• Teachers use nonverbal communication

teaching strategies to achieve classroom discipline.

• Students use nonverbal communication to display apprehension and confusion through body language.

• Teachers use nonverbal communication to create a positive classroom environment by using gestures, eye contact, and body language.

• Students use nonverbal communication to provide feedback through gestures and eye contact.

ValuesCommunication is reciprocal. It is receptive

and expressive.Information needs to be clearly stated and

instructions are explicit.Information needs to be broken down from

complex to simple.Teachers need to adjust their communication

style to adapt to students, regardless of learning style or ability.

Teachers communicate their concerns through their body language, tone of voice, and eye contact.

Barriers1. Possible behavior problems can deter effective

communication. By creating a positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable and safe to share their opinions and feelings will prevent such obstacles.

2. Language can be a roadblock to effective communication. If the student has difficulty understanding instructions, to help unblock this barrier, the teacher needs to utilize a variety of nonverbal communication such as body language, eye contact, and gestures.

3. Anxiety and apprehension can hinder communication for students. By having students use gestures, white boards, pair-share, students will start to feel successful in a safe environment. With each success, their self esteem will improve.

Technology

• Technology can enhance communication beyond the classroom.

• Students and teachers can communicate via any technology device to discuss class work and assignments.

• Collaboration among students is enhanced by using cloud computing.

• Teachers can collaborate and share ideas with colleagues.

• Communication is instant among all users.

• Parent-teacher communication is possible beyond face-to-face.

• General classroom or school information can be provided through blogs, websites, email, or newsletters.

Examples

• LectureA. Through lectures, the teacher provides information orally to students.B. Through lectures, students’ listening skills are enhanced.C. . Through lectures, students organize their thoughts through note taking.

• DiscussionA. Discussions engages students and encourages dialogue among students.B. Discussions provide feedback to the teacher and the students.C. Discussions help students develop speaking skills by presenting

information, asking questions, and debating.

• Small groupA. Small group learning promotes collaboration among students.B. Small group learning provides opportunities for all students to be active participants.C. Small group learning fosters interpersonal development. Students learn to relate to others as they work together.