Effective communication includes creating a clear message that fits the audience and situation which is received and understood. In a heated traffic incident, we see some motorists clearly and effectively send a "message". Humans are adept at succinctly letting others know their thoughts. When it comes to using communication in a professional setting we tend to get lost in the weeds. Positive Communication should always build relationships (personal or professional), and be based on respect. While the purpose of the message, and the formality of it may change the goal of being understandable and seeking to unite people effectively should not.
In our school we use 4 methods:
Emails - These are typically formal, and shared with colleagues, families and students. This can be an effective way to keep large and small groups updated, and also provide a followable train of thoughts, progress, and feedback.
Texts - We use these for informal communication, items we need feedback for quickly from an individual or small group, and for emergencies or updates we need everyone to read in real time. Texts are also a way to check in on one another during the day, or after work.
Phone calls - This can be between teachers, the office and calls home to parents. These run from formal to informal and are the first go to for a sudden emergency
Face to Face meetings - These again can be formal or informal depending on who is involved and the purpose.
Each of these items are useful in their own right and have their own place in the school. The purpose of expected/hoped for result as well as the recipient often decide the method.
Emails are the most effective way to get the information out to the larger school community of parents and shareholders. This broad sharing of information about a school event, reminder about up-coming vacation, or issue which has occurred is not looking for a response, but is informative. Emails within the school between faculty and staff make up a huge portion of what comes to our inboxes. Our system currently lists the last response to the feed. Finding this later can be a frustrating process if you do not remember who sent the original email. This is a tech issue. A key to communication is making it available and if written, retrievable. Having a tech person on staff would be a benefit.
Texts - where would we be without these? This is the quick text to the secretary to double-check if a student is absent. Sending out a group text to remind everyone of a meeting if you know the day has been overly busy and people may not have gotten to check their email frequently. Improved uses: I frequently message a teacher to see if their day is getting better - or to give them a heads up that a student coming to their class next period is having a bad day and what to do to possibly help it. In some cases I text a parent to send them a photo of their child giving a presentation, or getting an award, or simply having a great day. Another improved use - This is how we are informed of Snow Days. We also have tested - have not needed to use - a faculty and staff text in case of an in-building emergency. This is here in case of a lock down, or lock out, and would allow us to "quietly" communicate with each other if the PA speaker were not possible or in our best interest. While this seems dark, it is part of teaching in today's world, and offers an line of defense if you would.
Phone calls are the more personal reach out to our parents. While we often use these to inform them of a problem, I do like to call a parent with a positive message about their student. If communication should build community, and provide a clear message . . . this does it.
Face to Face Meetings offer a relaxed or formal way to truly make progress. If there is a conflict I prefer a meeting to turn it into an opportunity for better relations, clearer communication where both can see each other, read body language, hear tone and inflection - and shake hands in the end. If this is with a person I do not know well, I truly prefer this so that all parties can begin to form a positive relationship.
In the end effective communication is that the intended message is delivered and understood. It involves creating or maintaining relationships. In a classroom and in an administrative role we work to clearly and effectively send positive messages with our words and actions. We are looking to build healthy relationships in our small and larger communities that are part of our school.
In our school we use 4 methods:
Emails - These are typically formal, and shared with colleagues, families and students. This can be an effective way to keep large and small groups updated, and also provide a followable train of thoughts, progress, and feedback.
Texts - We use these for informal communication, items we need feedback for quickly from an individual or small group, and for emergencies or updates we need everyone to read in real time. Texts are also a way to check in on one another during the day, or after work.
Phone calls - This can be between teachers, the office and calls home to parents. These run from formal to informal and are the first go to for a sudden emergency
Face to Face meetings - These again can be formal or informal depending on who is involved and the purpose.
Each of these items are useful in their own right and have their own place in the school. The purpose of expected/hoped for result as well as the recipient often decide the method.
Emails are the most effective way to get the information out to the larger school community of parents and shareholders. This broad sharing of information about a school event, reminder about up-coming vacation, or issue which has occurred is not looking for a response, but is informative. Emails within the school between faculty and staff make up a huge portion of what comes to our inboxes. Our system currently lists the last response to the feed. Finding this later can be a frustrating process if you do not remember who sent the original email. This is a tech issue. A key to communication is making it available and if written, retrievable. Having a tech person on staff would be a benefit.
Texts - where would we be without these? This is the quick text to the secretary to double-check if a student is absent. Sending out a group text to remind everyone of a meeting if you know the day has been overly busy and people may not have gotten to check their email frequently. Improved uses: I frequently message a teacher to see if their day is getting better - or to give them a heads up that a student coming to their class next period is having a bad day and what to do to possibly help it. In some cases I text a parent to send them a photo of their child giving a presentation, or getting an award, or simply having a great day. Another improved use - This is how we are informed of Snow Days. We also have tested - have not needed to use - a faculty and staff text in case of an in-building emergency. This is here in case of a lock down, or lock out, and would allow us to "quietly" communicate with each other if the PA speaker were not possible or in our best interest. While this seems dark, it is part of teaching in today's world, and offers an line of defense if you would.
Phone calls are the more personal reach out to our parents. While we often use these to inform them of a problem, I do like to call a parent with a positive message about their student. If communication should build community, and provide a clear message . . . this does it.
Face to Face Meetings offer a relaxed or formal way to truly make progress. If there is a conflict I prefer a meeting to turn it into an opportunity for better relations, clearer communication where both can see each other, read body language, hear tone and inflection - and shake hands in the end. If this is with a person I do not know well, I truly prefer this so that all parties can begin to form a positive relationship.
In the end effective communication is that the intended message is delivered and understood. It involves creating or maintaining relationships. In a classroom and in an administrative role we work to clearly and effectively send positive messages with our words and actions. We are looking to build healthy relationships in our small and larger communities that are part of our school.