Communication Breakdowns, Essay Example

Effective communication is vital in any career endeavor, and this is especially true for a teacher. Communication is not only important from a teacher-student perspective, but a teacher-teacher and a teacher-parent format as well. The knowledge in the course provided a personal insight into the importance of effective communication. I feel the most important factor that was learned in this course is the many ways that communication can fail. In today’s society, communication has evolved far from the face-to-face communication it was a few decades ago. It is important to consider the form of communication to find the most efficient method for clarity. For example, if Jonny is having issues with his behavior in class, when addressing the issues with his parents, I would need to determine the best way to communicate. Obviously, an email or text message may not be the most efficient method, the best way to communicate with the parents would be an open floor where discussion can take place.

As a teacher, I feel that I would be able to discern the proper communication as my career evolves. I would know when a friendly email is warranted to a parent regarding an upcoming test, or a midterm progress report is necessary. It is also important to be able to communicate concerns with other individuals outside of the classroom if the need demands it. For example, a student is continually showing signs of issues at home, as a teacher I would need to articulate the specifics of the concern with our superintendent to determine if outside authority needs to be notified. I need to be able to communicate with other teachers about methods that work well for them and any issues I am having in the classroom that they may advise a better opportunity. Effective communication skills is a vital part of a teacher’s success in and out of the classroom.

There are many challenged that a teacher will face in the classroom, children are anything but predictable. I feel that there are many things I learned that will allow me to build on existing knowledge, turning them into a strength. “Strengths are the traits that you find yourself coming back to again and again, regardless of what you may have initially planned” (Cleaver, np). I feel that I have a way to articulate well, no matter what the communication outlet is. I also feel that I have the strength to determine the best way to communicate in stressful situations. It is important to be able to know when the best communication for a situation is nonverbal. For example, a student is acting out, perhaps the best communication is a stern look to express the feelings towards their behavior. Body language and facial expressions are a form of communication that I feel I have a lot of strength in as well. Communication is not only what you say, but how you say it. Making sure that how I address a situation does not create unwanted and unnecessary animosity is a strength that I feel I have.

With every strength, there are inevitable weaknesses. I have found that there are areas of opportunity and improvements with communication. One opportunity is to use time better by using the best form of communication for the situation. “Today, we communicate verbally, nonverbally, through written means, via telephone, e-mails, social networks, blogs, instant messaging, and more” (Erye, p.47). Perhaps the best option for the situation is to use the telephone to communicate with the parents and determine a solution to the issue at hand. Another opportunity for communication is not necessary the communication itself, but determining when it is best to not talk at all. Sometimes situations arise where you have to have the ability to step back and realize that saying nothing at all is the best decision. It can stop unnecessary things from being said, and can open the door to a better solution later down the road. Often we forget that silence is a form of communication that is sometimes undervalued. It also an area where I can personally use some improvements. I feel that this class taught me that every strength I feel I have with communication probably still has an opportunity for improvements. There is no point in my teaching career where I will be at a point where I can stop learning I believe there are definitely areas that I need to address first, but all areas of communication will be an opportunity to improve my processes.

Work Cited

Cleaver, Samantha. “How to Identify and Maximize Your Unique Talents and Strengths as an Educator.” 2015. Web. 2015.

Erye, Lori. “Communication Breakdowns are Common, Verbally and Nonverbally.” 2013. Print.