Hello everyone! This week, I have shifted my focus from the importance of communication and collaboration in education to how we can effectively improve them within our district. Now that we all have an understanding of the importance of the duo, I think it is important for us to discuss how we can create improvement. I know, I know, you are probably thinking that we do not have enough time in our already given busy schedules, but hear me out. Teaching isn’t always easy, but we all know that it can be very rewarding!
Two-way communication between families and educators are necessary for student success. Research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically. There are many forms of two way communication that can be used. These opportunities for communication might include parent teacher conferences, weekly or monthly folders of student work sent home for parent review and comment, phone calls, email, or the use of digital tools or apps. I am personally using Class Dojo this year as a main form of parent communication. My students’ parents have found this app to be a quick and easy communication tool. I also use this tool to post pictures of those students whose parents have signed the consent form, doing activities within the classroom. We can actively improve communication and collaboration between educators and families throughout the use of any of these two way communication forms.
However, when using the use of digital tools or apps as a means for two way communication, it is important that you remember the following in an effort to protect your digital reputation. You should always remain professional. We are so often afraid or avoid communication with parents due to the fear of receiving a negative response. When receiving negative feedback, which we should know about very well as educators, it is always important that we remain positive and address the issue in a professional manner. We do not want to jeopardize our digital footprint. Once a statement has been put out, it may be too late to change it. Always self reflect before you self reveal. Involve administration and make sure they are also in on the conversation! Communication and collaboration are key to the success in our educational world.
Now that we have discussed forms of two way communication tools, it is also important to remember that effective communication strategies also involve initiation, timeliness, consistency and frequency, follow-through, and clarity and usefulness of communication. Communication and collaboration will only help lead to the success of our students if we use it correctly.
I hope that you enjoyed my blog for this week! Next week, I will be posting a blog on how to help parents identify their child’s primary learning style!
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Contact information: Bkearns@meadville.k12.mo.us
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The Importance of Understanding Your Child's Primary Learning Style in an Effort to Lead Your Child to Success 