One of the learning outcomes in all of my courses is for students to acquire effective communication skills, in order to participate in meaningful conversations. Students are mentally involved and multiple perspectives are heard in these conversations. In my work with students (Juniors and Seniors), I found that they need 1) Tools (e.g., sentence frames), 2) Clear descriptions/examples, and 3) Time to practice. Students may not be exposed enough to effective communication on campus or at home, so that it is a part of their habit. Or, our own assessment of our communication abilities is often inflated, because we have been speaking since we were mobile infants and toddlers! But, effective communication skills are acquired and hopefully strengthened after every interaction that we have with others no matter the context or relationship. My hope is that students acquire, as well as generate for themselves, communication strategies that result in both parties feeling like their thoughts and feelings are valued; moreover, that both parties' needs/wants are met enough.
I have yet to implement the "Conversation Protocols Trackers" in any of my courses since I'm out of the classroom on Danielson duty, but I intend to apply it in the 2015-16 school year. The tracker is a blend of teaching that I observed both online and in-person, as well as experiences that I had in my own classroom over the last six years.
I have yet to implement the "Conversation Protocols Trackers" in any of my courses since I'm out of the classroom on Danielson duty, but I intend to apply it in the 2015-16 school year. The tracker is a blend of teaching that I observed both online and in-person, as well as experiences that I had in my own classroom over the last six years.