2. INTRODUCTION
Learning is a process that is different for everyone. And in understanding that Averno
has created a framework of abilities that all graduate students are to focus on
enhancing in every graduate course. As well as by graduation date is able to strongly
implement all five abilities in all aspects of life. These five abilities, conceptualization,
diagnosis, integrative interaction and Communication all help identify as a student
and professional our individual strengths and weakness. In learning and studying
these five graduate abilities I have learned my weakness and strengths in each ability.
In knowing my strengths and weaknesses in these five graduate abilities it is one
particular graduate ability that I am able to identify myself more with than the
others. That graduate ability is communication. I will further analyze my strengths,
weakness and connection of my education philosophy with the graduate ability
communication.
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3. DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is using oral, written and media modes of communication
to structure and reinforce learning processes.
Communication is an ability that I use every day in all areas of my life.
Brofenbenner’s theory of the Nested System clearly demonstrated how
communication affects relationships and experiences of individuals
daily in every level of life. And in knowing this I have focused more on
developing this ability as well as honing in on the strengths of this
ability.
As a teacher I have to use my voice and manner to create an atmosphere of
presence and involvement. When doing this it allows my students to
understand the dominance level between teacher and student. It also
helps establish and model effective ways to use eye contact, voice
variation and body language in a learning atmosphere
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4. EXAMPLE
For example in the start of the school year I communicate
with the students first week of school, the classroom
expectations, classroom rules and school conduct.
In doing this I express firmness in my voice,
I use eye contact when speaking to my students and
I keep my body language very stern so that my students
are able to clearly understand the seriousness of the
message that
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5. STRENGTHS
Capability to demonstrate professional quality in my own speaking and
writing.
Example: For example a big part of my teaching process is group work,
group discussion. In this setting we discuss ideas, homework and classwork
in group settings. In doing this I have to be able to clearly express my
thoughts, and ideas on a level that my students will be able to understand.
Practice appropriate language:
For Example: A lot of my students come into my class at the start of the year
with a lot of informal language or slang
Ability to demonstrate is refining use of media out of a growing
awareness of how learners process information; integration technology
to convey information and providing numerous opportunities for learner’s
interaction with media and technology.
For Example: Typed Papers/ Research Papers/ Presentations
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6. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT
In recognizing my abilities I also recognize the areas of
development in communication as well. Three areas that I
strongly want to be able to develop in is Increasing means of
linking content and teaching strategies, developing a greater
range of adaption to audience needs and developing short
explanations for concepts or procedures from many different
perspectives.
With understanding the importance of technology and diversity in
teaching strategies, I want to be able to strengthen my abilities
in these areas. I know for my students communication comes in
various ways, and I want to be able to clearly and effectively
model all areas of communications. For example my class was
learning about the importance of writing.
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7. EXAMPLE
For example my class was learning about the importance of
writing. And knowing that this was going to be a concept my
students most likely would not be easily perceptive to, I
taught it in a step process. First I taught it in book form; we
learned out of curriculum book. I then brought in hand out
with various examples. We then as a class went to computer
lab and researched examples and information. Then the last
step of lesson which was covered over a week’s time was a
movie. After doing all this I asked the students to apply what
they learned in a written project form. When the project was
turned in, half of the students were able to demonstrate on
paper the concepts of writing and the importance of writing
but the other half of students could not effectively
demonstrate either. This made me feel defeated as a
teacher.
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8. WHAT I LEARNED
In learning from this process I want to be able to effectively integrate and
develop the means of linking my teaching strategies and my student’s
needs in a communicable form. If I used several teaching strategies and
there was still confusing there was a form of miscommunication
somewhere. I want to develop a larger range of communicating
concepts based of my learners communication needs.
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9. CONNECTION BETWEEN EDUCATION
PHILOSOPHY
I believe education is power and knowledge. My outlook and philosophy on
education are built on a mission that I have implemented in every arena
in my life, and that is to Build, Empower and educate myself as well as
others around me to reach the full potential that is inside of each and
every one of us
This relates to the graduate ability Communication in every way. In order to
build, empower or educate as an educator I have to be able to clearly
communicate ideas, concepts, strategies and diverse communication to
all my learners.
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10. CONCLUSION
We all learn different which mean we all communicate differently. In
being able to communicate with all learners the ability to demonstrate
all areas of communication is important. In knowing my strengths in
communication it helps me to build on the weaknesses of my
communication skills. I hope to not only develop in my weaker areas
while here at Alverno College, but enhance my strengths in
communication as well. This process will not only help me become a
more effective teacher but it will enrich my philosophy beliefs as well.
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