INTASC Standard #6
Communication Skills
The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
[Headings for INTASC standards are taken from - Campbell, D.M. et al. (1997). How to develop a professional portfolio: A manual
Communication is the fundamental concept for all education. Without the ability to transmit knowledge efficient, permanent and comprehensive learning cannot occur. Music is a wonderful opportunity to communicate in a wholly unique way. However, as teachers we need to be effective speakers, writers and be knowledgeable of media communication techniques beyond the communication that is unique to musical experiences.
Verbal communication is the type that is most often used consciously in daily life. Through my communication class, numerous teaching experiences and various presentations, including a mock school board music advocacy project, I have developed the art of verbal communication. I have learned how to effectively project and modulate my voice for engaging instruction. I have continued to grow in the art of questioning, providing clear verbal instructions and providing understandable, concrete and attainable feedback and suggestions for improvement.
A highly underestimated component of communication is nonverbal communication. The majority of my training in this form of communication has come through my experience on the podium and conducting. I have learned the vital importance of eye contact, proximity and exuding confidence. Additionally, I have developed a vocabulary of nonverbal gestures that are music specific and effective at eliciting the sounds I am expecting from an instrumental music ensemble.
Music is among very few disciplines that it is in itself a form of nonverbal communication. Through my experiences as a solo performer and a participant of various ensembles, I have learned the art of communicating through music. I choose music as my medium to educate students and therefore it is incumbent upon me to discover how to communicate through that medium.
Media communication is rapidly becoming a very highly used form of communication. Teachers’ ability to utilize written materials, visuals and technology in the classroom is a very effective way to communicate that I use frequently in my instruction. Teachers must also be able to utilize some form of media communication with parents, administrators and community members. Whether you employ a website, handbook, newsletter, etc… the effectiveness with which you do so is a large component of effective teaching.
The variety and effectiveness of communication tools is perhaps one of the most inherent traits of good and effective teaching. The communication of what is to be learned and of learning between teacher and student is the most fundamental component of education. Without that two-way transmission, education cannot be effective.
Artifact 1: Sample Grading Policy for High School Instrumental Music
This artifact is a grading policy that I completed as a component of my Music Administration course. It was an assignment that had several revisions and the attached artifact is the final product through collaboration between my teacher and myself. In the artifact, I provide a grading policy that I would provide to students and parents for a high school instrumental music classroom. This demonstrates my ability to clearly and concisely communicate my grading policy to students and parents. It also demonstrates my written willingness and invitation to discuss any questions or issues personally, fostering effective communication between teachers, students and parents.
Artifact 2: Sample Budget Proposal Components for High School Band
This artifact is a budget proposal that I completed as a component of my Music Administration course. In the assignment we were asked to choose one component of a instrumental music program's budget (I chose programming and music purchases) and create a proposal for a hypothetical school year. In addition to the numerical presentation, I also completed a sample cover letter advocating for my need for the resources I outlined in the proposal and an additional resource page that provides contact information for the vendors through which I chose to proposal purchases. These documents collectively demonstrate my ability to communicate effectively, efficiently and clearly to a school board or administrator with the purpose of advocating for the allocation of funds for my program.