The Importance of Effective Communication

 

When leading policy change, it is imperative that one develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively.  Researchers state, “Communication is about more than just exchanging information. It's about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. Effective communication is also a two-way street. It’s not only how you convey a message so that it is received and understood by someone in exactly the way you intended, it’s also how you listen to gain the full meaning of what’s being said and to make the other person feel heard and understood.” ("Helpguide.org," n.d., para. 3). 

One communication skill that one should embody when leading policy change is to keep the stress level in check.  Being aware of and in control of emotions when presenting a policy plan is imperative.  The topic of a policy plan is a topic in which the developer is passionate and is working extremely hard in order to have this policy plan passed.  When presenting the policy change to others, remaining calm and keeping the stress level down can aid in more successful communication tactics.  Research states, “It’s only when you’re in a calm, relaxed state that you'll be able to know whether the situation requires a response, or whether the other person’s signals indicate it would be better to remain silent.” ("Helpguide.org," n.d., p. 1).  People are going to question the research and the data; therefore, keeping in mind how to remain calm and sharing the knowledge that you have gained on the topic can help others see and agree with your perspective, as well as your plan. 

Another communication skill that one should exemplify is that of assertiveness.  According to research, “Direct, assertive expression makes for clear communication and can help boost self-esteem and decision-making. Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an open and honest way, while standing up for yourself and respecting others.” ("Helpguide.org," n.d., p. 1).  Again, when presenting a policy change, others will question the knowledge and the data.  Being assertive and respecting their questioning and opinions will gain you respect in return.  Assertiveness is the act of respecting others while standing strong on your own efforts.  This will prove to be valuable when presenting policy change.

According to the Communication Anxiety Inventory, I have been identified as having situational anxiety.  Although I am confident in many areas of communication, there are some areas in which I feel apprehension.  I am the type of person that is early everywhere I go and I work hard to meet deadlines earlier than needed.  I worry about my efforts and always strive to improve myself constantly for myself, my family, and my students.  My stress level is an area in which I could show improvement.  I am a concerned person, but that is what adds to my successes in a way.  Like research has shown, if I can control this stress level, I will be more successful in my efforts.  “When you know how to maintain a relaxed, energized state of awareness—even when something upsetting happens—you can remain emotionally available and engaged.” ("Helpguide.org," n.d., p. 1). 

I feel as though I am a very good listener and I display assertiveness in my communication efforts.  When working in early childhood education, listening to parents, administration, team members, and your students is imperative to being a great educator.  Research states, “When you’re an engaged listener, not only will you better understand the other person, you’ll also make that person feel heard and understood, which can help build a stronger, deeper connection between you.” ("Helpguide.org," n.d., p. 1).  Building these relationships builds respect and a strong relationship with those that you are working with in order to better the education for children.

Communication is important in many different aspects of early childhood education from working with students, conferencing with parents, presenting to faculty and staff, and developing policies to make a positive change in the field.  Becoming familiar with effective communication techniques can help educators improve themselves to a level that builds strong relationships, as well as respect in the field.  I will continue to strive in building on my strengths within communication and strengthening my weaknesses in order to become a more effective educator.  In turn, this will allow me to continue to strive for positive social change in the field of early childhood education.

 

References

Effective communication. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2015, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm

Social Media and Professional Development

All young children should have access to a quality education. The greatest responsibility of communicating the importance of this issue lies with the early childhood education profession. Policymakers, whether they are legislators in Washington or directors of preschools, need to understand the importance of early childhood at the core of the curriculum. Nonetheless, it is up to the educators to provide our policymakers with compelling research, materials, and support to make strong early childhood programs happen. ("National Association of Education for Young Children," 2015). One of the ways in which educators can communicate these issues is through the use of social media.  According to researchers, “Social media is a new paradigm for communications that is making surprising changes to the political and social landscape of the world.” (Park, Choi, & Park, 2011, p. 125). 

Focusing on professional development for educators in the area of instructional technology, which social media tools could prove beneficial in communicating the importance of this issue in early childhood education?  Playback is a video clip social media site which would prove beneficial in communicating the need for professional development opportunities for educators.  Video clips can include educators discussing their anxiety and lack of knowledge and training toward implementing the technological tools that are being placed within their classrooms.  These clips would be readily available for parents, administrators, and board of education employees to view.  Links to research-based information depicting the importance of professional development, as well as how it positively affects student achievement will allow the audience to work toward aiding in providing teachers with the training needed to assure that students are receiving the best education possible.

Frontporch is a social media site in which educators can communicate the reasoning for the need of professional development in the area of instructional technology.  Educators can utilize this site in order to post threads that act as discussions.  Posts can include anything from the apprehensiveness of utilizing technology in the classroom, to how trainings have aided in allowing teachers to successfully implement these tools in the classroom.  This site could act as a petition for administrators and board of education members to see and hear the voices of the employees who need further learning opportunities in order to teach within this digital age.  When these individuals have access to these threads, the goal of achieving further educational opportunities in this area will be put into motion. 

A benefit in utilizing social media in the area of communicating a policy issue is that, “…with social media, it is easier than ever to share breaking news, broach a social issue, and exchange opinions in real time to a massive audience.” (Park et al., 2011, p. 126).  Social media has opened many doors to those who are working toward positive social change in the area of early childhood education.  The needs can be easily depicted and spread throughout the country, giving the topics and issues the opportunity to be viewed by audiences who can aid in making this positive difference. 

The challenges faced when utilizing social media to communicate political issues include the factor that, “social media is personal rather than institutional media, and allows messages to be distributed without screening, editing, or other forms of institutional control.” (Park et al., 2011, p. 129).  Within social media, people are able to take screenshots, save videos for other uses, and comment on pages in different ways.  Information can be misconstrued and it can take away from the personalization that one would receive in a more personal means of communication.  No matter what communication method is utilized, the importance is getting the message out there and working toward creating positive social change.  Although there are disadvantages, the advantages can reign higher in advancing te opportunities of change and working toward a brighter tomorrow.

 

References

A call for excellence in early childhood education. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/policy/excellence

Park, J., Choi, H., & Park, S. (2011, October). Social media’s impact on policy making. SERI Quarterly, 4(4), 125-129. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail/detail?sid=4cee0d31-bc9a-4a06-a4f7-9efa3635eca7%40sessionmgr114&crlhashurl=login.aspx%253fdirect%253dtrue%2526db%253dbth%2526AN%253d67003327%2526scope%253dsite&hid=109&vid=0&bdata=JnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#AN=67003327&db=bth