Download EP101 Unit 7: The Importance of Communication

The Importance
of Communication
EP101 Unit 7:
Please have your book nearby.
Feel free to chat with each other.
We will start class at 10 PM ET!
Unit 6 Review
Lesson Plans contain key components
(objectives, materials, procedure,
evaluation, etc.)
 It’s important to tap into multiple learning
styles & intelligence areas during
instruction
 Consider diversity in students (beyond
cultural-gender, socioeconomic status,
exceptionalities, etc.)

Unit 6 Review (cont.)
Help students develop metacognitive skills
 Consider other social influences (parents
working hours, abuse/neglect, legal
requirements)
 Overview of Basic Technology awareness

Advantages to Good Communication
“Communication is the process by which any
message is given or received through
talking, writing, or making gestures.”
(wikipedia.com)
Clear expectations
 Resolution of problems
 Both parties feel respected

Listening Strategies

Body language
– Eye contact
– Lean into, rather than away from, speaker
– No fidgeting

Active listening
– Paraphrase what speaker said
– Ask questions for clarification
– Give constructive feedback

Goal: to reduce misunderstandings
(Petress)
Communication with Students

Why?
– Clear expectations,
rules, and procedures
– Encourage questioning
and dialogue

How?
– Verbal: addressing
whole class or
individual students
– Written: notes,
grades, directions
– Body language: facial
expressions, proximity,
signals
Communication with Parents

Why?

– Parent involvement is key
to student’s success
– Keeps them informed of
their child’s progress and
activities at school
– Lets students know that all
parties have a vested
interest in their educational
success
(Reading Today)
How?
– Written notes, emails,
newsletters, progress
reports, report cards
– Phone calls
– In person:
conference, open
house, classroom
volunteer, parent
workshops
(Bulloch)
Communication with Colleagues

Why?
– Share instructional
ideas
– Communicate
schoolwide
expectations
– Communicate about
individual student
progress

How?
– Written: letters, email
– Verbal: school wide
meetings, grade level
meetings, individual
discussions
Implications for Paraprofessionals
Role model good listening and
communicating for your students
 Use professionalism and remember
confidentiality when discussing students
 Maintain good communication with your
supervisor

Weekly Reminders
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Complete readings:
Para's Text-Ch. 7 "Instructional Supervision"
"PTA issues standards for parental involvement in education" (copy
in Doc Sharing)
"Listening: A Vital Skill" (copy in Doc Sharing)
View Web Resources
Participate in Discussion Board
– Post answers to BOTH discussion questions in an “essay-like”
format, including references where applicable
– Respond to your classmates’ posts per discussion question
Attend Seminar or complete Option 2
Complete Unit 7 Project
Work on Final Project
Unit 7 Project
Paraprofessional educators must respond to the need for effective
communication between all members of a student’s educational team. In a
one- to two-page essay (double-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman font, 12
pt.) OR a in a Power Point presentation (see format provided), write about
your impressions of what a good communication plan between home,
school and student would look like. This can be for any grade level.
Reinforce your rationale with citations from this week’s unit. Some things
you might consider:
 Who should be included in this plan?
 How can you be sure your plan provides frequent updates?
 How can you include positive feedback as well as issues that need to be
addressed?
 As your expectations for and attitudes about students have an influence on
their success, how will you be aware of this as you communicate with
them?
 How can you involve parents in the classroom?
 How should your communication plan include your interactions with your
supervising teacher?
References
Petress (1999). Listening: A Vital Skill. Journal of
Instructional Psychology, 26, 261.
PTA issues standards for parent involvement in education.
Reading Today, 14, 16.
Bulloch, Kathleen L. (2003). Home-School Communications.
Education Oasis, retrieved January 20, 2008, from
http://www.educationoasis.com/instruction/bt/homeschool_communication.htm