As the majority of teaching professionals start their career with the public education system, one is literally thrown into the lion’s lair. Not speaking ill of the system, it is often known to generate quite a hairy situation when wading through the score of students who flood through the hall ways. Without effective communication, many educators face the challenge of students dropping out of school due to various reasons.

Teachers need to overcome stereotypes of the negative sense in which they themselves have succumbed to due to upbringing and exposure. Short of teaching an environment whereby everyone is of the same race, culture and gender, the vast majority of classes are a mixed lot. It is therefore essential to not single out any individual or element as it is an easy road towards creating friction between all parties. Once a thorn in the flesh develops, it surely impedes whatever chances of promoting effective communication.

Whatever head knowledge one receives as part of the training process, nothing can prepare him or her for the actual day itself. No amount of simulation and test case study lives up to actual events. Whether this is posed to an astronaut or a teacher, the response is bound to be the same. As such, it is totally acceptable for one to stumble along the way. Once bitten, twice shy. A teacher thus needs to avoid making known mistakes in communication, observations and assumptions. In order to encourage one’s pupils to overcome stereotype tendencies, it is the responsibility of the leader to set a good example and abide by it. Proven methods include familiarization with various cultures and age groups as well as fairness in handing out praises and penalties. By understanding that everyone is the same with his own set of differences, it is surely a good foundation for effective communication.

By: Gladys A. Adriatico | MT-I | Ipag Elem. School | Mariveles, Bataan