“A word is worth a thousand pieces of gold,” an old proverb emphasizes the importance of words in life. In education, communication and pedagogical skills are even more essential. They are the key for teachers to impart knowledge, inspire potential, and guide students.
1. What are Communication and Pedagogical Skills?
Communication and pedagogical skills are the ability to use language, gestures, expressions, and attitudes appropriately to build positive and effective relationships between teachers and students. It includes the skills to convey knowledge, motivate learning, handle situations, resolve conflicts, and build a healthy educational environment.
2. The Role of Communication and Pedagogical Skills
2.1. Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness
Teachers with good communication and pedagogical skills will attract attention and create learning excitement for students. Furthermore, they can easily convey knowledge effectively, helping students absorb lessons more readily.
2.2. Building Positive Teacher-Student Relationships
Communication and pedagogical skills help teachers build positive teacher-student relationships based on mutual trust and respect. This helps students feel comfortable and confident in asking questions and exchanging ideas with teachers.
2.3. Supporting Students’ Holistic Development
Teachers with good communication and pedagogical skills serve as companions, encouraging and motivating students to develop comprehensively in terms of knowledge, skills, and character. They create a positive learning environment that encourages students to confidently express themselves and develop their abilities.
3. Essential Communication and Pedagogical Skills
3.1. Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, distance, body language, etc. All of these have a powerful impact on the message you want to convey.
Example: A smile, eye contact, and hand gestures while lecturing can help teachers create attraction and a sense of friendliness and closeness with students. Conversely, a frown or harsh tone will make students feel intimidated and hesitant.
3.2. Knowledge Delivery Skills
Teachers need to have solid knowledge and the ability to deliver it clearly, understandably, logically, and engagingly.
Example: Teachers can use interactive teaching methods, games, group activities, and discussions to create learning interest for students.
3.3. Situation Handling Skills
In the teaching process, teachers often face unexpected situations that require calmness, flexibility, and tact.
Example: Dealing with disruptive students, students with learning difficulties, students facing life problems, or conflicts between students.
3.4. Learning Motivation Skills
Teachers need to motivate students to learn by encouraging, inspiring, and creating opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities.
Example: Giving praise, rewards, creating opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, and competitions.
4. Tips to Improve Communication and Pedagogical Skills
4.1. Maintain a Positive and Optimistic Attitude
A positive and optimistic attitude will help teachers transmit positive energy to students, creating a fun and effective learning environment.
4.2. Always Respect Students
Respecting students is the most important aspect of communication and pedagogical skills. Teachers need to respect the opinions, viewpoints, and personalities of each student.
Example: “The teacher always listens to students’ opinions, never scolding or belittling their dignity,” “The teacher always treats all students fairly,” etc.
4.3. Understand Student Psychology
Understanding student psychology helps teachers choose appropriate communication and interaction methods, creating empathy and connection with students.
Example: Teachers need to understand age psychology, know how to differentiate their approach to students of different ages, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
4.4. Practice Communication Skills
Teachers need to regularly practice communication skills by participating in courses, workshops, and reading books on communication skills.
Example: “Teachers can participate in courses by pedagogical skills experts like Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong – a renowned pedagogical skills training expert, or other experts like Mr. Nguyen Van A – author of the book ‘The Art of Pedagogical Communication’, Mr. B – author of the book ‘Effective Teaching Methods’…”, etc.
4.5. Continuously Learn and Improve Yourself
Teachers need to constantly learn, improve their knowledge and skills, and update new teaching methods to enhance work efficiency.
5. Small Tips for Effective Communication with Students
5.1. Smile is a Powerful Weapon
Smiling is an effective way to create friendliness, closeness, and transmit positive energy to students.
5.2. Use Appropriate Body Language
Body language such as eye contact, gestures, posture, etc., can express your attitude and emotions. Pay attention to using body language appropriately to create a good impression on students.
5.3. Praise and Encourage Students
Praising and encouraging students is an effective way to motivate learning, helping students feel respected and encouraged.
5.4. Create a Comfortable and Friendly Atmosphere
Create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere in the classroom so that students feel confident and relaxed in learning and communicating with friends and teachers.
6. Advice from Predecessors
“Communication and pedagogical skills are a long journey that requires effort and perseverance,” shared Mr. Nguyen Van A, an honored teacher. He also emphasized: “Always put yourself in the students’ shoes, understand their psychology and needs, and you will find the most effective way to communicate.”
7. Conclusion
Communication and pedagogical skills are the key to teachers’ success in their education careers. By cultivating these skills and making constant efforts, teachers will become leaders, inspire, and motivate students, contributing to building the future generation of the country.