Collaborative Practices for Educators: Six Keys to Effective Communication

Do you work with educational teams that you believe could be more effective? Do you believe you communicate better with your students than with your colleagues? Do you suspect that communication may be the problem - but are unsure where to find the answer or how to change it? If you answered YES to any of the above questions - this book is for you! This book is based upon the premise that we are often more collaborative with students than with our adult colleagues. Often with students we listen more closely, ask more meaningful questions, attempt to understand their point of view, put energy into explaining ourselves and watch for indications of misunderstanding. On the other hand, we habitually are more casual in our communication with adults. We may interrupt more, put energy into getting a personal point across rather than attempting to understand theirs, listen halfheartedly and not really give much thought to how we express ourselves. These habits often interfere with effective communication. When we learn to use the effective communication skills with adult colleagues that we use with our students, we build the foundation for collaboration. This book provides a quick and easy reference for all who want to make teamwork in school collaborative and meaningful. Simply open this book to any page and you will find simple ideas and many practical strategies that will help to improve individual and team communication skills. The book includes 60 strategies and 180 practices to assist with developing our skills in communication and collaboration! The strategies and practices in the book are applicable in all educational settings.