TAKING CHARGE: CHAPTER 9 COMMUNICATING SECTION 9.2: BETTER COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATION SUCCESS © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATION The way you approach a faculty member will determine your success or failure at initiating a constructive conversation © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

CLASSROOM COMMUNICATION Keep your conversations on task Don’t dominate the classroom discussion Do become involved in class discussion Save the clowning around for the weekend © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE Be on time Arrive prepared Sit at the front of the class away from windows with eye catching views Don’t use cell phones or other electronic devices Handle disappointments and mistakes maturely © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

GROUP PROJECT COMMUNICATION Employers are looking for people who can work in a team environment This means you must know how to communicate in a group © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

WORKING IN GROUP PROJECTS Make sure everyone in the group feels equally valued Listen actively Be responsive to each other Be curious Be dependable © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

ADDITIONAL GROUP WORK TIPS Establish clear common goals and roles Commit to attend, prepare and be on time for meetings Take responsibility © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

MORE GROUP WORK TIPS (CONT.) Value multiple points of view Make group decisions Take minutes during group meetings © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

ASKING ABOUT YOUR GRADES OR OTHER ISSUES Assess responsibility for the situation Set an appointment and be on time Use polite conversation to set the tone Use your “I” messages Don’t argue Show an attitude of gratitude Move through the hierarchy if your instructor doesn’t address the problem Document your problem/meetings each step of the way © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

FURTHER REFLECTION Why is it important to have strong communication skills in your major? How have you already used communication skills in your education? Where do you need improvement? © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES How to Talk to Teachers HowtoTalkwithConfidence.com © 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications