EP101 Unit 7: The Importance of Communication Please have your book nearby. Feel free to chat with each other. We will start class at 8 PM ET!

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 Clear expectations Resolution of problems Resolution of problems Both parties feel respected Both parties feel respected

Listening Strategies Body language Body language –Eye contact –Lean into, rather than away from, speaker –No fidgeting Active listening Active listening –Paraphrase what speaker said –Ask questions for clarification –Give constructive feedback Goal: to reduce misunderstandings Goal: to reduce misunderstandings(Petress)

Communication with Students Why? Why? –Clear expectations, rules, and procedures –Encourage questioning and dialogue How? How? –Verbal: addressing whole class or individual students –Written: notes, grades, directions –Body language: facial expressions, proximity, signals

Communication with Parents Why? 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? How? –Written notes, s, newsletters, progress reports, report cards –Phone calls –In person: conference, open house, classroom volunteer, parent workshops (Bulloch)

Communication with Colleagues Why? Why? –Share instructional ideas –Communicate schoolwide expectations –Communicate about individual student progress How? How? –Written: letters, –Verbal: school wide meetings, grade level meetings, individual discussions

Implications for Paraprofessionals Role model good listening and communicating for your students Role model good listening and communicating for your students Use professionalism and remember confidentiality when discussing students Use professionalism and remember confidentiality when discussing students Maintain good communication with your supervisor Maintain good communication with your supervisor

Weekly Reminders Complete readings Complete readings View Web Resources View Web Resources Participate in Discussion Board Participate in Discussion Board –Post answer to the discussion question in an “essay- like” format, including references where applicable –Respond to your classmates’ posts per discussion question Attend Seminar or complete Option 2 Attend Seminar or complete Option 2 Complete Unit 7 Project Complete Unit 7 Project Work on Final 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? Who should be included in this plan? How can you be sure your plan provides frequent updates? 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? 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? 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 can you involve parents in the classroom? How should your communication plan include your interactions with your supervising teacher? 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 school_communication.htm