What is it? Component A of Domain 3 tackles teacher communication with students. Teachers must communicate with their students all day long whether it be for the purposes of teaching them new information to giving them directions on how a task should be completed. What this component does is emphasize the importance of the communication being impactful, purposeful, and effective.
Why do we need it? Component 3A is necessary because every successful classroom depends on teacher and student communication. If a teacher cannot communicate the key points of a lesson to students then little learning is accomplished. If a teacher cannot communicate rules and directions to students then the learning is often impacted. Educators need this component because it stresses how crucial and central communication is to the growth of knowledge.
What are the elements? Component A of Domain 3 includes four different elements. The first element centers on the expectations for learning. What this means is that the teacher clearly communicates the goals to the students whether it be at the beginning or end of a lesson. The next element is all about directions and procedures. This requires the teacher to communicate and be clear with the students about what they are expected to do so that students are able to work independently. Often times this involves the teacher reading directions out loud or handing directions out on a piece of paper. The third element focuses on the explanations of content. This means that the teacher provides clear explanations to students that help to eliminate misconceptions. The last element targets the use of oral or written language in the classroom. It is important for teachers to model accurate syntax and rich language in the classroom because it allows students the opportunity to grow and emulate the same correct language.
What does implementation look like? This component allows for educators to get creative. There are many ways in which to communicate effectively with students both in the ordinary ways and in new ways that can make interaction more meaningful. Below are just a few suggestions:
Go over directions with students before every activity to make sure all the children understand.
Have a class-wide word of the day as a means of expanding students vocabulary in a fun way.
After each lesson reflect on student misconceptions in order to be able to better prepare for the next time you teach the information.
Use dry erase markers to write messages on students desks. When they come into class they can read what you have to tell them.
Set up a mailbox in the classroom like in the picture below where students can leave messages for you.
Depending on the grade level, have every student create an Office 365 account and use the teams function to allow class-wide communication.
When grading assignments record individual student feedback and make the voice message into a QR code. Print in out and hand the different QR codes back to all the students. You are able to communicate with them and they are able to get one on one input from you without using up any class time.
Sources: Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
5 Simple Ways to Connect with Students and Build Relationships. (2017). Teaching in Progress. Retrieved 10 November 2017, from http://www.teachinginprogress.com/2015/11/5-simple-ways-to-connect-with-students.html