THE THREE MODES OF COMMUNICATION—AN OVERVIEW

In Interpretive Communication students comprehend written, oral, or visual communication on a variety

of topics without any active negotiation of meaning. Students engage in this mode by listening to
stories, reading brief text excerpts and viewing images in various activities, and reading instructions for
portfolio activities.

In Interpersonal Communication students engage in two-way oral or written communication with active
negotiation of meaning to share information, feelings, and opinions. Students have the opportunity to
engage in interpersonal communication with the teacher and their classmates. Students engage in this
mode by singing songs, playing games, doing lesson activities, engaging in shared reading, conversing
about art projects, and completing Partner Time activities.

In Presentational Communication students present spoken or written information that is prepared for an
audience.

Obviously, beginner students are not going to be able to read long texts, engage in complex
conversations, or present large amounts of information.