Effective classroom communication is necessary in academia because it serves as the basis of good educational outcomes. Based on several research studies, educators who communicate effectively lead their classes to better grades and high retention rates, whereas high dropout rates can be partially attributed to poor classroom communication.
As such, it is important for every educator to establish good communication in the classroom to help boost their students’ development and future learning. Workshops for leadership training in Singapore usually involve helping professionals develop excellent communication skills, which are crucial in many industries, including academia.
Ways to Establish Effective Communication in the Classroom
Effective communication in the classroom is the cornerstone of a successful educational experience. Here are just some of the essential strategies and techniques for fostering effective communication in the classroom, ensuring that both educators and students can engage, learn, and thrive together.
Create a safe learning environment
The first step to encouraging open communication in the classroom is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students will feel comfortable expressing their ideas. An environment that allows students to ask if they need assistance is vital to academic success.
Essentially, establishing an open-door policy that enables students to pop in and talk about almost anything that may occur is an incredible way to encourage good communication. As an educator, it is necessary that you cultivate this kind of non-judgmental atmosphere at all stages of the teaching process.
Provide positive feedback
Oftentimes, teachers tend to forget to recognise students when they have performed well and instead concentrate on the negative aspects, such as the latter’s bad behaviour. This can demoralise the students and have long-lasting impacts on them. While negative feedback can sometimes result in positive outcomes by pushing students to improve, providing positive feedback is crucial to promoting effective class communication.
Research studies show that students who receive praise are more likely to believe in their capabilities and achieve success. Indeed, positive feedback helps to build the confidence of students and create a supportive environment for them. By giving positive feedback, you are also teaching your students the importance of recognition and appreciation.
Move around the classroom
Sometimes, students do not feel comfortable opening up to their teachers because they are afraid of crossing the student-teacher barrier that is created by classroom hierarchy. Break such a barrier by moving around the classroom and getting involved with your students on a more personal level.
When you move away from the front of the classroom and join your students at their desks to discuss ideas, you are helping them feel more comfortable to talk with you. Furthermore, moving around the classroom has the added effect of changing the points of focus of your students. By being in closer proximity to students who usually do not speak up, you can encourage them to participate and contribute to discussions.
Practice active listening
To facilitate good classroom communication, you should always listen to hear your students and not merely respond and give an instant answer. Oftentimes, the simple act of lending an ear can already be extremely useful in encouraging a caring and supportive environment. This is the importance of active listening, which is a critical skill in effective communication.
By actively listening to your students, you can provide better assistance and education to them. Moreover, teaching your students both the skills and value of active listening will help them to improve not just their ability to understand lessons and instructions but also their connections with their peers. Active listening is essentially a skill that will be invaluable throughout their time in school and thereafter.
Conclusion
There is no doubt about the importance of establishing effective classroom communication in students’ development and future learning. A supportive learning environment where communication is open has a positive impact on class participation and, ultimately, on students’ achievements. For this reason, it is necessary to know how to facilitate good communication in the classroom if you wish to succeed as an educator.
Let StrengthsAsia help you establish effective classroom communication with your students by signing up for our comprehensive teacher training and leadership development workshops in Singapore. Our CliftonStrengths education programmes are specifically designed to help educators nurture a strengths-based academic culture in their classrooms to facilitate meaningful learning among their students.
Aside from teacher and leadership training, we offer several other corporate team building workshops for professionals who wish to upskill and advance in their careers. To learn more about StrengthsAsia and our programmes, you can get in touch with us here.
