Communication skills refer to the ability of a person to give and receive messages and other information. Basically, it is one of the most important tools for the exchange of information and ideas among one another. Effective communication skills are required in every field of work. To achieve and hold high career positions, effectiveness in speaking is very important for the students. Since it is not as simple as a doodle, regular practice of the appropriate techniques is essential that all students must do. Students spend the majority of the time of the day in classrooms. And hence teachers can help them a lot to accomplish effective communication skills. Let us discuss the techniques that teachers can inculcate in their teaching patterns to train students for communicating well.
How to improve the communication skills of students: steps to follow
- Involve students in conversations
Encouraging students to speak up and share their thoughts, and opinions are one of the most important objectives of teaching that every teacher should practice. The more students will interact, the more improvement will be seen in their communication skills and better will be the learning, teaching outcomes as well. While explaining the academic subjects, involve students to share any piece of knowledge they have related to it. Other than academic conversation, teachers can hold conversations on the topics which students enjoy. For example, discussing highlighted issues of the society, games, famous television shows, social media impact, future scopes and opportunities for students, etc. Also, you can involve students in discussing school events, premises, happenings, etc. Interactions are the best ways to improve the speaking skills of the students.
- Make English compulsory for communicating
Among the different foreign languages, the most commonly used language all over the world is English. For education and effective professionalism, good command of English is highly demanded. The compulsory rule of speaking in English will ensure that all students are using it as a medium for exchanging messages and information. Effective Communication skills are something that cannot be learned overnight. With constant use and practice, students will be able to attain mastery in this skill. A compulsory rule of speaking in English in classrooms will help teachers to indulge all the students in the habit of speaking English. And gradually students will also become confident and fluent with English communication.
- Record and watch
After teaching the planned lessons and syllabus, teachers also give assignments to the students so that they are properly involved with learning. The best way by which teachers can enhance the communication skills of the students is by recording and watching assignments. This means, asking students to record their speeches, on a particular topic, submit them to the teachers, and review the submitted task themselves as well. We all know verbal effectiveness in communication is more important than written communication. In today’s time, vocal means of exchange of information are more common than written ones. By recording themselves, students’ vocal skills will be improved and self-reviewing will allow them to improve and enhance the existing skills. Replacing written assignments with this technique is a great solution to meet the main objectives of teaching.
- See, speak and write
The visualization technique is best suited for enhancing the communication skills of the students. By visualizing something, relating to it, and speaking about the same becomes convenient for the students. For this, teachers can use any education app. These apps are technology-friendly and hence teachers can use them for organizing picture cards, flashcards, and educational videos for students. After seeing them, students can speak easily. Other than vocal skills, this technique can be used for improving the written communication of the students. Using the education app, teach via audiovisual tools and later ask students to summarize what they learned in a written format.
Classroom activities for better student communication
Prepare and present: teachers can ask students to prepare their content on a particular topic and later present it in front of the class. This activity will help students to interact with others better and also the confidence for effective speaking will also be improved. Teachers must encourage all to participate in this activity as much as possible.
Group discussions: today for every job we go to, interacting with different people on any topic is very common. The practice of this from the right age will help students to interact and communicate well for future ventures and jobs. Special time can be taken out for these activities. Sometimes teachers can give topics a day prior so that students can prepare their content. And sometimes on-the-spot topics can also be given to make students quick, spontaneous with their answers for effective communication.
Dictations: this will help to improve the writing communication skills of the students. Dictations of the words will help in memorizing, and improving vocabulary. Also, it reduces the mistakes and errors that students often make in writing skills.
All the above-mentioned techniques are very helpful for enhancing the communication skills of the students. Teachers should adopt and practice these in the classrooms on a regular basis. Also, we read about certain activities which are beneficial in this regard such as group discussions, recitations, dictations, presentations, and much more. An additional message for the teachers is that don’t forget to involve every student of the class in this practice. Some are quick learners and some take time. Teachers should focus and interact with all.