Constructive communication in different environments

"Digital, Social and Civic Competences Development for Adult Educators Working with Migrants and
Refugees - DiSoCi"

Civic and social competence



Competence area: Interpersonal, intercultural and social


Skill title: Constructive communication in different

environments




Description of the skill

Ability to communicate constructively in different social situations (tolerate other’s views and

behaviour; awareness of individual and collective responsibility); ability to use nonverbal
communication in order to better avoid language barrier; ability to facilitate diverse learner

groups to ensure the development of positive intercultural relationships and understanding.



Having this skill means that an adult educator, working with migrants and refugees:

 Understands how communications work within different cultural groups.
 Supports learners in gaining active listening and responding skills.

 Sees things from other points of view and manages assumption effectively.

 Understands skills that are essential for team work.
 Understands body language.

 Supports learners in increasing their confidence in communication.

 Supports learners in respecting and expressing their opinions effectively.
 Knows how to deal with difficult people and situations.

 Handles feedback and criticism in a positive way.


Content application of the skill

Being able to communicate effectively and constructively in different environments is the most
important of all life skills. The following skills will support effective communication:

1. Listening. Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. In

their practice teachers should try to take time to practice active listening. This activity

"Digital, Social and Civic Competences Development for Adult Educators Working with Migrants and
Refugees - DiSoCi"

involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying and asking clarifying

questions.
1. Nonverbal Communication. The body language, eye contact, hand gestures and tone are

all very important in creating an effective communication. A relaxed, open stance and

friendly tone will make teacher appear approachable and will encourage others to speak
openly, especially in diverse environments.

2. Friendliness. A friendly tone, a personal question or simply a smile will encourage your

learners to be more confident and engage in open and honest communication.
3. Confidence. It is important for a teacher to be confident in interactions with others.

Displaying confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm but friendly
tone.

4. Open – Mindedness. A good communicator should enter any conversation with a flexible,
open mind. Teachers should be open to listening and understanding the other person's point

of view, rather than simply getting their message across.

5. Respect. Learners will be more open for communication if teacher convey respect for
them, their cultural backgrounds, experience and ideas. Simple actions like using a person's

name, making eye contact, and actively listening when a person speaks will make the
person feel appreciated.

6. Feedback. Being able to appropriately give and receive feedback is an important
communication skill. Teachers should continuously look for ways to provide learners with

constructive feedback. Giving feedback involves giving praise as well - something as

simple as saying "good job" or "thanks for taking care of that" to a learner can greatly
increase motivation. Similarly, teacher should be able to accept, and even encourage,

feedback from others.


References/Links

1) Fast Track Into IT (FIT) Curriculum (Communication Module) www.fit.ie
2) www.thebalance.com