Communication

So, teachers can build positive and productive classroom communication patterns with a few different approaches. I'm going to talk about some of those now using scenarios again...

Scenario 1: A teacher makes a point to teach metacognitively (explaining to his students his thinking behind his decisions). This teacher finds that metacognitive teaching helps students understand that he (the teacher) invests time and energy in making the class effective. It also allows him to model for his students the kind of thinking he wants them to do about their own work.

Scenario 2: A teacher builds communication throughout the year to help her students understand similarities and differences and guiding them in a sense of community (Morning Meeting *cough-cough*). She has students create personal profiles that help her see their strengths. She guides her students into thinking about what kind of classroom they'd need to help everyone build strengths and support weaker areas in effective ways. 

Scenario 3: A teacher and her class develop a phrase for striving for one's best work. Phrases can become part of the classroom identity. 

Scenario 4: A teacher and students develop a communication "shorthand," and "windshield checks." These reminded me of the "Storms" that we talked about in class.

Scenario 5: A teacher teaches the definitions of the words, "diversify, verify and amplify" to his students. Diversify means to provide more that one perspective. Verify means to offer proof or evidence and amplify means to elaborate on an idea. He uses these works to challenge students in assignments and discussions but students are also expected to use them to measure their own thinking.

Scenario 6: A teacher allows students into their room at lunch. Energy levels are high and conversation is strong. There is a sense of community among teacher and students.

Additional Strategies For Positive Communication:

• Hold Goal-Setting Conferences
• Use Dialogue Journals
• Incorporate Teacher Talk Groups in Lesson Plans