Types of Classroom Communication

Communication within the classroom is important in order for students to learn

effectively and should be put in place from an early stage of learning. Classroom
communication exists in three categories: verbal, nonverbal, and written.

Verbal communication refers to sending or receiving a message through sounds and

languages. Teachers can address one student or the whole classroom through verbal
communication. For example, a teacher may ask a student to stand up which is verbal
communication.

Non-verbal communication refers to communicating without words through body

language, gestures, facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, and posture. For
example, if a teacher is nodding their head while a student is speaking, this can be
encouraging or show that they agree with the student.

Written communication is sending or receiving information through writing. For example,

a teacher may arrange a written assignment for students to test their knowledge or
present lecture slides or notes for complicated information. 

Communication is key in the classroom: successful teaching is generally

considered to require only 50% knowledge to 50% communication skills. As a
result, a teacher should be proficient in all four modes of communication –
listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and should know how to utilise this
proficiency effectively in a school environment. Being able to do this has been
proven to impact the success students achieve in their academic lives, as well as
the teacher’s own career success.

In this article, we will outline the reasons why classroom communication has
such importance. You will also learn some of the strategies you can use to help
you and your students attain your best outcomes.

Why is it Important for Teachers to Have Effective

Communication Skills?
Teachers benefit from good communication skills in three different areas: when
communicating with students, with parents, and with colleagues.

Communicating with Students

Communication skills are most vital for interactions with students, because the
act of teaching itself requires them. In your role, you are responsible for
comprehending and breaking down complex information, conveying this
information clearly to your students (both verbally and in written resources),
presenting in a manner that sustains their attention, and listening to and resolving
their questions or problems.

You are also required to adapt content for different learning styles, motivate
students to learn, build supportive relationships using encouragement and
empathy, manage the classroom, and give feedback – making your classroom a
safe and supportive learning environment. All of these things require good
communication skills.

The better your communication skills, the more effectively you can perform these
tasks. In turn, your students will make more academic progress. Studies have
found that the success of students is directly related to interactive, engaging
teaching environments formed by able teachers (see Mashburn et al., 2008).
Additionally, the way that you communicate with your students can positively
affect their perceptions of school, their role in the classroom, themselves and
their abilities, and their motivation to succeed (see Dobbs & Arnold, 2009).

However, this works both ways: poor communication skills – and thus poor
methods of teaching – causes students’ comprehension levels to drop, and may
affect their academic progress negatively. It could also lead to students lacking
motivation, disliking school, and believing themselves to be unable to achieve.
This could have consequences for the rest of their lives.

Therefore, effective communication between teachers and students is extremely

important. It allows you to perform your job well, with positive results for your
pupils. An added benefit is that your class can use you as a model for improving
their own communication skills, which are critical for their development and future
learning.  

Communicating with Parents

As a teacher, you will also need to communicate effectively with parents. This
could take place through a variety of mediums, including phone calls, emails, and
in-person meetings, so you must be skilled with both verbal and written
language.

This is particularly important because you will often have to discuss sensitive
subjects – such as behaviour issues, learning problems, and the student’s
strengths and weaknesses – without making the parent feel confused or
defensive. It is vital that you are clear, but tactful, at all times. Failing to
communicate well with parents could lead to doubts on their part about your
ability to teach, and possible complaints, as well as a lack of understanding of
their child’s performance and educational needs.

Strategies for Effective Communication in the

Classroom
What we classify as ‘good’ or ‘effective’ communication depends on the context.
When you are presenting in front of the class, you will use different strategies
than when you are facilitating a group discussion, or speaking to a student one-
to-one.

Here, we will suggest eight strategies that are applicable to each of the contexts

that you may encounter.

What Factors Influence Classroom Communication?

Take a look inside an average classroom, and you will find students and teachers with diverging
perceptions and viewpoints. You will also find cultural and linguistic differences as well as age
and gender differences. All of these factors can impact communication in the classroom. Let's
take a closer look at these differences and strategies that can be used for effective
communication.

Age and Gender Differences

The middle childhood years, which includes children between the ages of 6 and 11, come with
increasing and varied levels of educational readiness. Teachers must take into account age and
gender differences in classroom communication. During middle childhood, students are learning
about healthy social relationships. Since this is such a large age gap, communication during this
time will vary from child to child and classroom to classroom.
One way to promote communication within the classroom is to keep conversations going and
model good listening skills. By allowing time to talk and also allowing for differences in
opinions, students will begin to feel more comfortable and accepted no matter what age or
gender. This always starts with respectful treatment of each other and is often modeled by the
teacher. Teachers can help by modeling good communication skills and valuing each age level
represented in the classroom.
Along with age differences, there are also many gender differences that affect classroom
communication. For example, studies show that females tend to excel more in language and
communication development than males. Both sexes may also have different communication
styles. One way to help with these differences is to encourage open and continued conversations
with all students and allowing them to express themselves in a respectful manner.

Cultural Differences
Just as there is a mosaic of developmental differences and gender differences when it comes to
communication, teachers must also be aware of cultural differences in the classroom. Teachers
need to be aware of children's lives outside the classroom and all of the cultural backgrounds that
come into the classroom on a daily basis. Students who come from varying backgrounds may
have predisposed ideas about topics and concerns. In order to communicate effectively with a
wide variety of views, teachers will need to gain knowledge of these differences and cultural
norms to familiarize and connect with their students. One way is to have students journal about
their lives to express themselves and understand cultural influences.
Another way to help bridge communication is to role-play conversations with one another.
Teachers can model by recounting the day, playing word games, and role-playing conversations
that will help students make connections and feel more of an integral part of the classroom.
Students can learn from the teacher and then from each other as they ask each other their
opinions and broaden their own understanding of their differences. This will also produce
empathy for and appreciation for each other's uniqueness as students.

Linguistic Differences
Linguistic or language differences tops the list as the most difficult when it comes to effective
communication in the classroom. Linguistic differences oftentimes lead to miscommunication.
The lack of a common language necessitates the need for teachers to become familiar with
linguistic differences and choose sentences and communication styles that will become familiar
to all students in their classroom. For ELL students, teachers can use their ELL checklists to
implement proper accommodations for classroom communication, such as rephrasing or
providing visual cues.
Teachers can also play word games with students and build speaking and listening skills through
fun and interactive games. The teacher can model speaking, body language, good listening skills,
and encourage journaling or blogging to help bridge the linguistic gaps found in classrooms.