EFFECTS ON CLASSROOM COMMUNICATION

All the factors you have just discussed may affect communication in classroom.

1. Status: Since we have higher status than our students, many students find it difficult to talk freely to us, to answer questions, or to admit they do not understand. This is often a major problem in Solomon Islands.

2. Age: This may have the same effect as status. Younger students may also have very different ideas or experiences from us.

3. Language: We must use language which our students understand.

4. Culture and Experience: We must realise that students from different islands or cultures may not think or react in exactly the same ways as we do.

5. Relationships: We must be aware of family or special relationships with certain students, which affect our communication. No parent likes to have their child in their class!

6. Mood and Emotion: We must try to be aware of any mood or emotion between us and certain students, which might affect communication. If certain students are clearly not willing to communicate in a certain session, it may be better not to force them.

7. Type of person: We should try to become aware of particularly shy or outgoing students. Encourage the first, and don’t let the second dominate the sessions.

This means we must get to know each of our students well, including their background and any factors which may affect communication. There may even be physical barriers such as some students being hard of hearing!

We must use this knowledge in our sessions. We must also be careful that our own character or moods do not cause a barrier. A teacher who is always angry, is not willing to listen to other points of view, or has no respect for the opposite sex, will not be an effective teacher.

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