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Effective Communication Skills |
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The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for success in life. A recent report from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills focuses on six key elements for 21st century learning. The ability to "use knowledge and skills to think critically and communicate clearly" is highlighted under the key element of "Learning Skills." Students who can think critically and communicate effectively build from a broad base of core academic subject skills, knowledge and understanding.
Communication is a powerful tool. Both nonverbal and verbal communication skills are a vital part of everyday life. Information cannot be effectively acknowledged, shared or exchanged without using good communication skills. To clearly and successfully communicate, or share information with others at a thorough level of understanding, is a critical life skill. Good communicators are interesting to listen to; they have something to say that is worth consideration. Good communicators are curious, eager to learn, and eager to share openly with others- knowing what they want to say, how to say it, and why they want to share it.
Good communication skills are learned. It takes effort, commitment and practice, and is an essential key to success in the 21st century. Benefits of good communication skills are endless! During the month of March, AIS-R Middle School will be highlighting outstanding students who strive to communicate clearly and effectively.
Holly Raatz
Sources:
Carney, Susan. "Communication Builders: Strategies for Talking to Teens." Communication Builders: Strategies for Talking to Teens (2007). Youth Development. Web. 10 Feb. 2010.<http://http://youthdevelopment.suite101.com/article.cfm/communication_builders>.
Effective Communication Skills - A Good Communication Skills Resource. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. <http://www.comunicationskillsinfo.com/>.
"Equipped for the Future - EFF Fundamentals." Equipped for the Future - Portal. Web 28 Feb.2010. <http://eff.cls.utk.edu/fundamentals/eff_standards.htm>.
Salpeter, Judy. "21st Century Skills: Will Our Students Be Prepared?" Tech & Learning (2008): 1-4. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. <http://http://www.techlearning.com/article/13832>.
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Home. Web. 10 Feb. 2010. <http://www.21stcenturyskills.org>. |
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December's "Star Student" trait of the month is Caring!
Middle School "Star Students" chosen during December will be given personal recognition for the exceptional character quality of being caring. Each grade level team will choose one boy and one girl who exemplifies this valuable 'star student' trait.
Caring is a quality of good character. Caring people are 'charitable', giving of their time, support and comfort to others without expecting anything in return. Caring people feel and exhibit concern and empathy for others; "caring friends" are treasures.
Synonymous with caring are qualities such as being compassionate, loving, kind, approachable, accepting, sensitive, tender, sympathetic, responsive, receptive, considerate, warmhearted, supportive and understanding.
Companionable with caring is Steven Covey's "Habit #5" of highly effective teens: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD.
You have two ears and one mouth.
Listen to people sincerely.
When we listen with the intent to understand others, rather than with the intent to reply, we begin true communication and relationship building.
Seeking to understand takes kindness; seeking to be understood takes courage. Effectiveness lies in balancing the two.
From caring comes courage.
Lao Tzu
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.
Margaret Mead
A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.
Denis Waitley |
November's "Star Student" trait of the Month is Trustworthiness!
Middle School "Star Students" chosen during November will be given personal recognition for the exceptional character quality of being trustworthy. Each grade level team will choose one boy and one girl who exemplifies this valuable "star student" trait.
Trust is the basis of all good relationships and a keystone of good character. Trustworthy people keep their promises, are honest, reliable, and principled. Being trustworthy and being trusted are essential to building positive relationships and a healthy school environment.
When we are trustworthy, others can place confidence in us because they know we will honor our commitments. "My word is my promise," is a mantra of trustworthy people. Those who are trustworthy can be believed in and be held in higher esteem. At the same time, trustworthy people set high, yet realistic expectations for themselves and strive to consistently live up to the expectations of others. They refrain from deceit or self-serving behavior that can quickly destroy relationships.
Trustworthiness is a highly valued character trait and comprises a variety of qualities like honesty, integrity, reliablity and loyalty.
"Trust is the highest form of human motivation." - Stephan Covey
"Trust builds relationships. Relationships build people." Duane Hodgin |
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October's "Star Student" Trait of the Month is Respect!
Middle School "Star Students"chosen during October will be given personal recognition for the exceptional character quality of being respectful. Each grade level team will choose one boy and one girl who exemplifies this valuable "star student" trait.
Respect is both a noun and a verb!
Simply defined: To feel or show honor for the feelings and rights of yourself, others and the world around you; Polite, well-mannered behavior toward others.
All people have value as human beings. Everyone has a right to be treated with dignity. Respectful people treat others with consideration, regardless of who they are. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be in all situations, even when dealing with unpleasant people.
A respectful person in an attentive listener, treats others with consideration, and does not resort to intimidation.
A respectful person accepts individual differences and beliefs without prejudice and judges others only on their character, abilities and conduct. They do not insist that everyone be like them.
Respectful people value others. They buildup others and they help other people value themselves.
The Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you - nicely illustrates the character trait of being respectful. Respect prohibits violence, humiliation, manipulation and exploitation. It reflects notions such as civility, courtesy, decency, dignity, autonomy, tolerance and acceptance.
Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners. - Laurence Sterne
Men (humankind) are respectable only as they respect. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
September's "Star Student" trait of the month is Responsibility!
Middle School "Star Students" are chosen each month and given personal recognition for exceptional qualities that "stand out" among our student body. Each grade level team chooses one boy and one girl who exemplify specific "Star Student" traits.
Life is full of choices . . .
Being responsible means being in charge
of your choices and, thus, your life.
Responsibility requires you to recognize that what you do - and what you don't do - matters, and you are morally responsible for the consequences of your choices. People of character are responsible. They are accountable, dependable, show self-restraint, and pursue excellence. They mean it when they say, "You can count on me."
Being responsible is part of a person of character.
Being responsible means that we do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We do the right thing just because it is right and not because we will get credit or praise for doing it. |
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Middle School 
