Effective communication requires that you know your audience.

• Students today expect to be entertained as well as instructed.
• Instruction must be palatable as well as informative.
• Noise level: there is a lot of competition for students' time. How do we deal with demands of a time-competitive world?

What do we need to ensure effective communication with our students?

• Have a sufficiently well-developed course outline so that students don't have to spend an inordinate amount of time struggling with organization.
• Clarify the goals of your seminar with your students.
• Minimize anxiety. Make sure students understand what your expectations are and how they will be graded.
• Don't just lecture. Involve students in the learning process.

How can we ensure students effectively communicate with us?

• Set up electronic communication with students. Make at least one assignment early on that requires them to use it.
• Set up a classroom web page. Consider requiring a contribution to that page by each student or group early in the quarter.
• Encourage student to participate in class and listen to them.

How can we ensure students communicate effectively with each other (especially in formal presentations)?

• Most of the above will help.
• Model effective communication.
• Know what is available at the DHC computer lab and IT so you can be sure that you let students know when they need it.
• Know the DHC Student Handbook so you can direct them to it at the appropriate times.

Main | Seminars | Teams | Thinking | Assessment | Map | Resources