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Running Head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Jennifer Sevinsky
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience Portfolio, Spring 2016

Running Head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

Introduction
Communication plays a pivotal role within a childs education. For an instructor, its all
about building relationships with students, teachers, administrators, and anyone within the
education community. In order to create these meaningful relationships there must, first, be that
bond of trust which can only be done through an open line of communication.
Rationale for selection of Artifact
I chose two artifacts for this competency: my first is an introductory letter I sent home at
the beginning of my student teaching experience and a parent/student questionnaire to get to
know about my students. The introductory letter allowed parents to have a clear understanding of
my background, on a more personal level, and within the education field. I introduced myself
and was able to set a tone for my, own, expectations while being in the classroom.
The second artifact I chose was a parent/student questionnaire in order to get to know my
students and their parents on a much more personal level. While it is about the child, having the
parents fill it out is an effective way to learn about the childs upbringing, as well. I, also,
included an article of the importance of homework as mimes to have parental support within
their childs academics. Having that parent/teacher collaboration and understanding of what is
expected of the child is a key component in pushing that child towards success.
Reflection on Theory and Practice
The only way to help a child succeed is through the support they can receive, both, in and
outside the classroom. Strong communication skills are a fundamental aspect within this realm.
As an Education Major with a Communications minor, I have begun to realize how well my
studies have complimented each other in being able to use my skills I have learned during my
teaching experience. If there is one thing I have learned within all my classes, it is, just, how
much our ability to communicate can shape learners as a whole.
In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience Portfolio, Spring 2016

Running Head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

According to Denton (2008), our words shape students as learners by:
1. Affecting students sense of identity.
2. Helping students understand how they work and play.
3. Influencing our relationships with students.
This is why we need to be mindful with how we use our words as James 1:19-20 states,
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (The Holy Bible NKJV).
This verse has become, even, more prevalent during my time within the classroom. Even in times
of conflict it is imperative to be mindful of our words and take other mimes of handling such
difficult situations, not limited to:
1. Working on listening skills
2. Addressing specific behavior
3. Talk when youre calm (Tartakovsky, 2013).
Reflection
Overall, these techniques can be the difference between creating an environment for
success or an environment for failure. The future of a childs education is not something to be
taken lightly which is why it is imperative they have the support of both their instructors in the
school and their parents at home. Communication is a key factor in ensuring a childs success;
however, how we use those skills to effectively communicate with the child and their parents is
imperative. There is more to communicating then relaying the childs strengths and weaknesses,
it is about how we can use those strengths to encourage their weaknesses which can only be done
through practice.

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience Portfolio, Spring 2016

Running Head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

As instructors, we may be experts in the material a child needs to learn, however, parents
are the experts of their children and what makes them who they are. Smith (2015) states,
You know what stimulates, bores and interests them, what theyre good at and what
they struggle with. You know your childs learning style and you also know if there are
any other issues going on that might be affecting their learning at school. So ongoing
communication with your childs teacher is essential to make sure they can tailor their
approach to your child while in class.
Having that open communication with parents is one of major building blocks in order for the
child to work towards success. If the instructor can use what they, already, know about the
childs learning styles and whatever they may be experiencing outside the classroom, which is
the key to providing the differentiation method needed in order to help them succeed.
Conclusion
Communication plays a pivotal role within a childs education. As educators we have to
be mindful with how we use our words as it can mean the difference between a childs success
and failure as a whole. As instructors, we may be experts in the material a child needs to learn,
however, parents are the experts of their children and what makes them who they are. Having
that open communication with parents and students, alike, is one of major building blocks in
order to create a strong relationship with the parents and students alike.

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience Portfolio, Spring 2016

Running Head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

References
Denton, Paula. (2008). The Power of Our Words. The Positive Classroom, 66 (1). 28-31.
Smith, Andrew. (2015). The Importance of Parent-Teacher Communication. Retrieved from
http://www.3plearning.com/importance-parent-teacher-communication/
Tartakovsky, Margarita. (2013). How Conflict Can Improve Your Relationship. Retrieved from
http://psychcentral.com/lib/how-conflict-can-improve-your-relationship/
The Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience Portfolio, Spring 2016