Specific Reflection 8
Module: Inter and Intra-Personal Communication Skills
a. listening
a. Listening is important for an educator as it helps connect the teacher to the students. Without listening the teacher does not hear or understand the needs of the children. As an educator it is just as important to be a skilled listener as it is to be a skilled speaker. Listening can help avoid conflicts and help understand what the needs of the child are. Listening involves making time to hear the child out, and letting them have their say. This is showing the child that you care about their opinion and that what they say and think is valid and important. In this respect listening creates better relationships between the teacher and student. It conveys respect, acceptance and understanding. It also sets an example of what you expect from your students. If you listen actively and patiently to them, you can expect them to do the same for you. In any case where they are not listening to you, it is therefore fair for you to be upset as it is an expectation that you have both set for each other. Listening is a good rule to define and set from the start of the year. I think it is a good classroom management tool as it sets a standard for the classroom culture. It ties in with respect.
b. being an assertive communicator
b. Being an assertive communicator is a skill I need to increase my effectiveness in. It is important in the role of an educator as teaching is all about communication. Being aware of the different types of communication and their detriments is important to effectively communicate. Being confident and having a good self-esteem is important to communicate clearly and concisely. This way the students will understand what you are trying to say and believe in it. I need to boost my confidence in this area as I have struggled with public speaking in the past and being the centre of focus can be overwhelming for me. Helping skills start with an attitude of love for others. Learning to see yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you can help you see a perspective on yourself that is necessary in creating a love for yourself, and others. (Bolstad, 2004). It is important to be an assertive communicator in order to diffuse conflict, teach content and learn about the students. Assertive communicators can get their message through “politely, neither backing down nor abusing the other person.” (Bolstad, 2004). By practising the I-message or the 3 part assertive message technique I feel I can start to be more of an effective communicator.