Providing specific feedback to students builds on strengths while also creating room for improvement.

Evidence: Attention signals, ActivInspire, Feedback

Justification: Teachers must communicate effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques. Before learning can even begin, teachers must communicate proper signals to gain the attention of students. Once attention is obtained, classroom learning and student participation is best facilitated when teachers effectively communicate their subject matter. In addition to covering lesson content, teachers must also communicate specific feedback throughout the learning process. Specific feedback extends students’ thinking. Additionally, specific feedback informs students what they are doing well and what areas they can improve upon.

To verbally gain the attention of students, I tend to use “1,2,3 eyes on me or “waterfall, waterfall shhhh” to get students centered and ready to learn.  Hand claps proved to be an effective nonverbal signal when noise levels get too loud. In terms of teaching, multimodalities play a huge role in how I communicate my lesson content. For example, during social studies lessons, I often times integrate ActivInspire flipcharts that include pictures, text, and other visuals. Verbally talking through the slides helps reiterate key ideas. As far as read alouds, communication is key for keeping students engaged. I’ve found students get the most out of books when they are excited about a story. Excitement builds when I change my voice depending on the character, incorporate gestures, facial expressions, etc. Finally, feedback is a necessary component to how I communicate as an educator. When students are working, I am constantly circulating the room checking in with students and providing specific feedback. For example, I might say, “I love how you added key details to your main point. That helps persuade your audience!” Clearly, proper communication is key to ensure academic success for students.