Child Guidance and Inclusive Learning Communities, Part 3
Question 1: Describe effective communication techniques.
Answer 1: Two main ways to ensure generally effective communication techniques involve listening actively and controlling the nonverbal message that is being sent to the speaker. When listening, remain attentive and concentrate on what is being said. Also, don’t form an opinion right away; be impartial in order to take the most away from what is being said. Reflecting on that which is being said can be done by restating the message so that the speaker knows that you understand. Summarizing what the speaker has said will also show that you have paid attention to the details. The nonverbal message conveyed is also important. You should be aware of your body posture and the level of eye contact you are using. Staring students directly in the eye could be seen as confrontational, whereas complete lack of eye contact can be viewed as disinterest. If you are speaking to a student, try to have a parallel body position, either both be standing or sitting in order to put you both on an equal level.
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Question 2: Define a caring community.
Answer 2: A caring community is the way in which the school interacts with the surrounding neighborhood and town. In such a community, all families are welcome and the immediate area is seen in the spirit of cooperation between the students and their families. The populations of students who attend a school will tend to be diverse, and therefore all families should feel included in the community of the school. Individual students will feel included if they are treated well by the staff and their fellow students and feel that the staff has concern for their well being, and that they are valued. In order for this to work, students must feel that their input and participation is a necessary function of the school and that there is communication between all facets of the school and the community. Family and staff members work together to solve problems and the rights of all students are strictly upheld.
Question 3: Outline ways to set up a caring community in the classroom.
Answer 3: Constructing a caring environment in the classroom from the beginning means that insults and derogatory terms are eliminated so that students feel safe in the environment. Students should treat the teacher with courtesy and respect, and that should be reciprocated. Having interactions between students on a regular basis will increase the level of community in the classroom because students will get to know each other and not use prejudice readily. When appropriate, if the students have the chance to provide their input into that which they study, they will feel motivated to learn and share their knowledge with others. Balancing between teacher-centered and student-centered activities will spread out the activities and make students feel accountable for their own learning. Setting an appropriate way to deal with behavior will also increase the sense of community, in that students feel that they are being dealt with appropriately. This works reciprocally, as well, in that pre-set consequences for actions which are enforced fairly and regularly create a stable environment.
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