communication skills

Communication and Social Skills in School Education – Best Practices in Romanian Schools Anca Tirca-educational consultant

International Comenius Contact Seminar Brasov, Romania 5-9.12.2007

New emerging learning paradigm 

there are multiple intelligences (H.Gardner)

success is not necessarily linked to academic results but to emotional intelligence 

new skills required to fit into a flexible and dynamic society(including communication and social skills) 

responsibility

empathy

Communication and social skills interaction skills leadership public speaking

peer relations

listening problem solving

self-control

decision-making giving and accepting feedback asking questions

dealing with conflicts

building and maintaining friendships cooperation

making conversation

Communication and Social Skills can and should be learnt in schools

peer acceptance teacher acceptance inclusion success post school success

The need for change Communication and social skills can effectively be taught in those schools where they are deeply embedded in the organisational culture

Traditional model:school as a factory

The need for change

the same product basic tasks supervision of tasks accomplishments obedience workers have no control

The need for change School as a family

expectations for everybody care and mutual support cooperation and trust respect for diversity

Best practices in schools in Romania Doors open from outside - the reform in education (started in 1998) new learning outcomes

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new curricula

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changes in assessment and evaluation

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school-based curriculum

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new textbooks

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teacher training on active learning,TMI, differentiated learning

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Best practices in Romanian schools Doors open from inside

Successful schools have:

colonised the new educational policies

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generated and activated own change forces ●

developed capacity building processes to manage change ●

Best practices in Romanian schools 1.A whole school approach on developing communication and social skills: specified in the school vision/mission

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aim in the school development plan and the departments development plans â—?

Best practices in Romanian schools 2.Curricular outputs: SBC-optional courses on personal development ●

use of active methods

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group work

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civic action projects in the community

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focus on developing presentations skills

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Best practices in Romanian schools 3.School climate fair rules and regulations made with students consultation ●

open door policy

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display of students' work

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code of conduct

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students are assigned responsabilities at class and school level ●

students are encouraged to express their opinions on various school matters ●

Best practices in Romanian schools 4.Participative management consultation with students, parents, teachers and members of the community ●

Students Council

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good internal communication – regular meetings, notice boards ●

Best practices in Romanian schools 5.Build a professional community: shared norms and values

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team teaching

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teachers got training in active learning, problem solving, ●

teachers promote dialogue, share experience, cooperate and support each other ●

Educational change depends on what teachers do and think- it's as simple and as complex as that (Michael Fullan)