Communication

Tips for effective communication to teachers:

Sentence starters for communicating and self-advocating

Students today are communicating more via their personal devices than in person. Texting has altered the way we communicate with our peers. However, when communicating with a teacher, and especially when asking for help in person, there are many great strategies for effective communication.

Tips for effective communication to teachers:

Know that your teacher wants to help you. Come with a positive attitude, seeing the teacher as a partner in your learning.
Take ownership of your learning. If discussing a grade, be mindful of the pronoun rule. The pronoun rule: You earn your grade. Teachers do not 'give' you a grade. Therefore, in your communication with teachers, focus on the pronoun "I". For example: "I achieved a C on this last test, and I am hoping to improve my performance. I am here to learn how I can achieve higher/improve my performance for next time." This example takes ownership of the learning process and is very different from: "You gave me a C on my last test. You marked number eight wrong, and you didn't give me any partial credit." This last example uses the pronoun YOU, and it sounds accusatory of the teacher and does not take ownership of student learning. Even if the teacher is the one who has made the error while grading your test/quiz, when you approach them asking for clarification, they will catch their own mistake. You don't want to sound accusatory by using the pronoun 'you'.
If you are worried about communicating effectively, jot down some questions or bullet points on a notecard to refer to during your conversation.
Ask for help with suggestions on what to say or how to say it. Come to the MAC! Email Mrs. Carroll or Ms. Seraydarian for help with the conversation..
Role play/practice what you want to say. It helps clarify what you want to convey and builds confidence.

Email a Teacher

How to write a proper email:

Use a level of formality when writing your teacher an email. The way you text your friends is DIFFERENT than the way you should communicate with your teacher.
Have a clear subject line.
Start your email with a proper greeting. For example, Good afternoon, Mr. Shaw-Smith,
Include an introductory sentence identifying who you are.
Write a brief overview sentence. This will state the purpose of your email.
Identify a plan and ask if this plan works for the teacher.
At the end, include a proper closing. For example,

Thank you so much,

Morgan

Tutorial

How to ask for help: The Dos and Don'ts of Tutorial

Going to tutorial is your first line of defense when content in a class is difficult.
While taking notes in class, star areas in your notes where you are unclear.
Star homework problems that you do not understand. These will be great places to start when the teacher is available to help you.
One instance in which tutorial may be helpful is to clarify expectations for a test, quiz, or project. Often, we procrastinate because we do not have clear expectations of what to do. The first step to tackling studying for a test or starting a paper or project is often clarifying what is expected of you. Tutorial is a great place to do just that.
To clarify expectations, you could ask the teacher for an exemplary paper or project that met all expectations.
You could also run a paper topic or project topic by the teacher to get an idea if your plan of attack is what they are looking for.
For tests or quizzes, you could share with the teacher your plan for studying and ask them what else might be beneficial for you to do to prepare.
Don't arrive to tutorial and simply say, "I don't get it". This offers very little guidance to a teacher as to how to help you or where to start.
Don't be afraid to head to a teacher's tutorial and simply say, "I am going to work on my homework assignment, and if I run into a problem, I will ask". This offers you an opportunity for clarification if needed, sends a positive message to your teacher about your desire to achieve in the class, and gets a homework assignment off your to do list!
"Lurking": During a test/quiz review, you can head into tutorial and listen to others questions about the content.
Don't think you have to have a burning question in order to attend tutorial. You build a rapport and partnership with your teacher by seeking help when you need it!

Sentence starters for communicating and self-advocating

I would like your feedback on.....
- the notes I took for class. Would you have time to sit down with me and review them to see if I'm on track?"
- the errors I made on the last test. I want to be able to apply what I've learned and make connections. Do you have suggestions for me?
- how to study more effectively for your quizzes/tests/your class. I want to improve on the next test. Would you have time to discuss some suggestions??

What would you suggest I could do to improve my understanding of the content?

I'd like to learn how to_________________. I'd like to set up a time to meet with you.

I'm having some problems understanding the __________________. " Would you have some time to help me?

I brought some questions that I think may help clarify my understanding of the notes/what we discussed today. Is this a good time, or would it work better if I asked during tutorial?

I want to make sure I understand this and that I am doing the problem correctly. When would be a good time to see you?

I wanted to see if I'm on track with taking notes. I would like your feedback when you have time.

I was wondering if you could please give me a couple practice problems that I can complete...and can we review them when I’m done?

And of course the all-time favorite to ask your teacher:

What would be the top 3 things you see successful students do in your class?

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