Essential Question- The Art of Effective Communication

According to Kathy Walker, in Communication Basics...

Communication- simple yet complex, easy to do, easy to blunder. We send from 100 to 300 messages a day. These include the messages we intend to send; the message we actually send; the message as the hearer interprets it; the response of the hearer based on what he or she heard; and our reaction to the exchange of words, meaning and interpretation.

How many times have you been lost for words unable to convey your message?
How many times have you said and meant one thing only for it to be turned around and misconstrued?
How many times has someone looked at you only to ask what's wrong?
Have you ever left a discussion still clueless and in the dark as to what's really going on?
What about that blog, did you say all you wanted to say? In the way you wanted to say it? The first time?

As defined by the Business Dictionary, "Effective communication is a two way information sharing process which involves one party sending a message that is easily understood by the receiving party."

In today's world, there are a number of different ways we can communicate with others. However, with so many different ways it's very easy for our messages to get lost in translation. Effective communication to me means first understanding your listener's background. This will help determine everything from your vocabulary and the examples you use, to even your manner of dress.
When determining how you want your audience to see you, the difference between business or casual can often impact the way you're perceived as well as the strength and tone of your message.

Knowing what your listener needs and is looking for is also another crucial aspect of effective communication in that it will determine aspects regarding your use of body language, tone, and level of professionalism. While speech may be the dominant form of communication that we may think of, oftentimes, it's not so much what we say as it is how we say it? How many times have you heard that one? Body language is another area that is often overlooked. Are you able to project a strong, knowledgeable presence when the time comes? How about a laid back, more open one? What does an active, engaged listener look like?

Finally, as we move further into the 21st century, the biggest and most current barrier to effective communication is the divide between the digital natives and the digital immigrants. The ability for these two groups to meet on common ground and speak each other's language has never been so necessary and paramount to the continuing success of our society.  Moving forward, as leaders, if we are going to reach and engage our students then we need to know how to speak their lingo. We must understood and utilize the tools with which they use to speak, self-identify, and communicate with. By doing so, we can also learn how these 21st century learners analyze and synthesize information in order to better prepare them for their futures.

Just the other day, a student came to me and said he wanted to be a YouTube star. I was like, "WTF! ROTFLMAO! That's stupid!" But, did you know, according to celebritynetworth.com, YouTuber Pewdiepie rakes in an estimated $7 million a year for his videos.

These are the digital natives... 

GAMING WITH MY GIRLFRIEND

A Principal's Perspective on the Impact of Technology

Today, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Shira Woolf Cohen, the principal of New Foundations Charter School, a K-12 school located right here in Philadelphia. During the discussion, Ms. Woolf Cohen made several pertinent points regarding the impact of technology both in and out of the classroom. She also stressed the point that every district and principal is different, and while there are policies in place, principals tend to vary on their level of adherence to them.

When it comes to the hiring process, Ms. Woolf Cohen admitted that she does browse the internet for a perspective employees digital footprint. While she encourages a digital presence, she emphasized that she tries to put what she finds into context and not allow it to completely influence her decision one way or another. Rather, she recommends to complete the hiring process by bringing the candidate in for an interview.

 Although I liked Ms. Woolf Cohen's upbeat and enthusiastic attitude, I can't help but feel that she might be a little too lenient in this area. One example that she gave was the image she found of a potential candidate on the beach in a bikini smoking a cigarette. Unfortunately, in today's world of increasing accountability and the ever growing spotlight on teachers, and while such an image reflects nothing on an individual's skills, it's the perception of that image that conflicts with the idea of teachers as role models. There are countless websites, such as this one here found on Forbes.com, that describes how such digital faux pas will prevent you from even getting your foot in the door.

As a future principal, I am well aware of the increasing expectations that will be placed upon me. When you combine these expectations with the lack of available jobs in the current economy, as the hiring manager I couldn't help but feel that I would be at an advantage in that I could set the standard for which I were to judge the candidates. This level of professionalism would also set the tone for my building. It also prevents any lash back in the event  this individual causes future controversy.

This teacher's situation brings up many great questions regarding the use of social media, the right to privacy, and the expectations of teachers.

 

 

Another area that Ms. Woolf Cohen touched on was using technology as a data mining tool to enhance instruction, determine attendance patterns, and identify other areas in need of reform.  A great example of this is our weekly grade group meetings that we have at Solis Cohen. In the meetings, we have an opportunity to pull and analyze student data from various computer based learning programs that we have in place. After we evaluate the data, we then adjust our instruction accordingly. Each week, we then rinse and repeat.

Victoria L. Bernhardt, in her article, No Schools Left Behind, further elaborates on ways that principals can data-mine to increase student achievement.

Visionary Leadership

 

 

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/

...On Digital Citizenship in the Core Curriculum

As technology use will only increase and become even more integrated into our daily lives, I feel it is imperative that all students become competent and responsible in its use and not just those who can readily afford it. It would be an injustice for 21st century learners to leave school ill equipped to handle their common digital interactions.

However, this digital divide is exactly what is happening and in his book, The Digital Condition, Rob Wilkie describes how this divide, as a result of access, is exponentially increasing the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Therefore, to ensure that all students have an opportunity to compete in the global world, digital literacy should be mandated and all students should have free access to digital tools. Otherwise, and we see it happening now, many students will enter the workforce lacking the 21st century skills employers demand.

The employment titan Manpower reports that despite the recession
31  percent  of employers  throughout the world struggle to find qualified
workers because of “a talent mismatch between workers’ qualifications and
the specific skill sets and combinations of skills employers want.” 
 (http://thoughtfullearning.com/resources/what-are-21st-century-skills)

While I think nearly everyone can agree on the benefits of implementing a digital literacy curriculum, the big question becomes, where will the money come from? The School District of Philadelphia, for instance, a district that serves a large portion of economically disadvantaged students, continuously finds itself in a monetary deficit which results in more programs and resources being taken away. In Utah just last year, legislators there determined that supplying all public and charter students with a digital tablet wasn't worth the cost (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/no-money-school-tech-plan-191449226--finance.html).

Until policymakers come to terms with the changing educational landscape and actively seek out solutions to equip all students with the skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace, then unfortunately many of our most vulnerable citizens will be left out of the realm of advancement and competition.
                        
According to the most recent Funding Gap report by the non-profit group
The Education Trust, many states still provide the least amount of funding 
 to school districts serving students with the greatest needs.(http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wherewestand/reports/finance/how-do-we-fund-our-schools/?p=197)


         

The Digital Divide

Backchannel #7 Connecting New Principals

In this current episode of BACKCHANNELedu, Lynn Lawson, a 2nd year K-6 principal at Crazy Horse Elementary School, which is located on a poverty stricken Native American reservation in South Dakota, discusses some of the difficulties she has had adjusting to her leadership role.

While she tries to identify and find similarities in her own background that may help to bridge the cultural differences, she stresses the importance of understanding how not only do communities have diverse needs but students do as well. She says that it's important to see the world through your students' eyes if your ever going to help them achieve success and to be flexible when it comes to individual growth.

Another issue she has encountered, is her own inability to listen attentively. For years, she says, especially in college, that her goal was to accomplish tasks, solve the problem, and move on as quickly as possible. Discussion was limited to what she thought was the best choice and the best course of action with little room debate. In college, this strategy was highly successful.

Finally, she emphasizes the significance of helping students see their potential, and as leaders, that it  is imperative that we provide a bridge from classroom development to real world application and opportunity.

I agree with many of the key points that Lynn Lawson has alluded to. For one, without respecting the different cultures there can be no connection or common ground on which to build. With that being said, each student brings to the classroom a highly complex background of beliefs, customs, and other influences that need to be understood in order to appeal and engage him or her.

Developing listening skills is another critical component in effective leadership in that allows for thoughts and opinions to be shared which promotes mutual respect. This in turn opens up issues for debate and analyzing which can often prevent quick rushes to judgment.

 Lastly, I feel more schools and curriculums need to provide career awareness so that students can see where their skill development can take them and the opportunities that can arise.


Unfortunately, many Native Americans will continue to lag behind the rest of society as a result of social policies and the lack of incentive for major corporations to help build the infrastructure necessary, as currently only 10%  of American Indians have internet access.

(http://blog.nrcprograms.org/new-online-world-ahead-for-indian-reservations/)

Connected Educator

In his blog, Mr. Couros describes how we are constantly faced with the challenges of change, not only professionally but also personally, and in order to not just adapt, but to thrive we must welcome and embrace these changes. He insists that while no one grows at the same rate if we focus on the positive aspects of change and show appreciation towards each other for the effort that has been put forth we can move the educational continuum forward in the life long learning process and strengthen the integrity of the profession at the same time.

Change is a natural part of life. Whether we realize or not, every living thing is drifting somewhere along the spectrum of change, positive or negative. If you develop an awareness of this, you can create a sense of control by taking initiative of  what changes around you by identifying areas that could use improving. With that being said, it's important to not feel overwhelmed as educators and to grow steadily at your own pace, as there is no finish line when it comes accruing knowledge and improving your effectiveness as an educator. Very few things need to be accomplished immediately.

Finally, it's important as leaders that despite how unaccepting we may be of the change that we still find a way to embrace the positives and instill its acceptance amongst our staff so as not to diminish morale and negatively affect the school's climate.

George Couros, Division Principal, AB Canada  
"Change is an opportunity to do something amazing"
http://georgecouros.ca

Thoughts and Reflections on TECH

As the school leader, I must be the impetus of change.  It's important to understand the current technology and to help others implement it in an effective and productive manner.  While no two schools may be the same, it's important to pull together the available resources and to train the staff on how to maximize its potential.  

Social Media responsibility should also be taught.