The classroom can be a place of learning or it can be a battle ground! Which classroom are you teaching in?
From many years of teaching, I can tell you that if you are experiencing any of the following then the door to your communication with your students is locked.
• If you or your students are not feeling listened to
• If you are arguing and not getting anywhere
• If you are feeling overpowered
• If there is resistance and temper tantrums
• If your needs are not being met
• If you compromise on anything
• If you have to use rewards to get things done
• If you are using punishments to get things done
Communication is the KEY which unlocks all the doors to a successful and fulfilling school life experience.
Communication is the KEY to getting co-operation with your students.
Communication is the KEY that allows us to feel understood.
Communication is the KEY for resolving conflicts between teachers and students.
Communication is the KEY to let students know what your needs are and how best to meet those needs.
Communication is the KEY to fewer conflicts in the classroom and in the playground.
Communication is the KEY to building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Communication is the KEY to feeling listened to by your students.
Communication is the KEY to mutual respect in the classroom.
Communication is the KEY to less resistance and more cooperation.
Communication is the KEY to everyone feeling safe to be themselves.
Communication is the KEY to having more fun in the classroom.
Teaching can be a rewarding profession, but it is more than just imparting knowledge to students. A large part of teaching is about being able to communicate effectively to everyone in the classroom and in the school. When effective communication is missing, teachers can misunderstand or be ignorant of student’s needs and expectations. Furthermore, students may not feel listened to or understood and they may start acting out in other ways to get their needs met.
Sometimes there are moments in the classroom when what you were taught at university does not help you. The behaviour of children in the classroom is something that you have never experienced before and punishments and rewards do not work. The students don’t bother to do their homework, they are constantly playing tricks, yelling out across the room, and when asked to take out their books, they simply start a riot. How on earth do you get these children to settle down and do their work?
For information on effective communication techniques for teachers, please click on the following links to take you to the appropriate page.