In the teaching learning process, good communication skills are vital in achieving quality education and in attaining success. The acquisition of these skills has a positive effect not only for achievement but also for personal satisfaction. Having good communication skills is essential to quality instruction and learning. Thus oral communication is the most popular means of communication in the classroom.
Teaching requires the use of good communication skills because teachers model communication attitudes to their students. Considering the importance of good oral communication skills, there is great demand among teachers and more so for student teachers, to be articulate in the classroom. Teachers particularly in the elementary level can influence the development of communication skills among their pupils, and likewise, they are partly in charge of the second language acquisition of their students.
Student teachers who are prospective teachers need to equip themselves with excellent communication skills so they will gain the confidence and respect of their students. As practicing teachers and future teachers at the same time, they have to improve their oral communication skills so they can deliver their messages clearly and accurately in class, and when they use their communication skills effectively, both they and their students benefits.
During their student teaching their spoken English proficiency is being tested. To ensure the quality of student teachers being produced their spoken English proficiency has to be assessed, monitored and improved. Student teachers need training that will expose them to different language functions so they will polish their speaking skills. They should also be provided with varied language opportunities to practice their spoken English skills, at the same time they will get used to speaking spontaneously in public.
With this consideration in mind student teacher should realize that spoken English is a key factor in successful student teaching and essential for aspiring teachers. Consequently, they have to make an effort to develop this skill in spoken language prior to their practicum phase so they will demonstrate positive attitudes toward classroom communication during their practice teaching and in their future job as TEACHERS.
By: Ester J. Gaddi | Master Teacher I | Dinalupihan Elementary School | Dinalupihan, Bataan
