Article 12 of the UNCRC Ensure that children have the space to express their views; their voice is enabled; they have an audience for their views; and their views will have influence.
Communication is an essential professional life skill, enabling us to share information and ideas, as well as express feelings and arguments (Cenere et al., 2015). It is also an active process influenced by the complexities of human behaviour in which elements such as non-verbal behaviour and individual styles of interpreting and ascribing meaning to events have significant influence. Mastering effective communication is more than just mastering the core language resources of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. It’s about using those resources for the desired effect – whether that is persuading someone of your argument, apologising for a mistake, or making friends.
We have identified four Core Areas within Communication:
Communication for audience and impact
Reflection to further develop and improve communication
Message advocates a purpose and makes an impact
Voice and identity expressed to advance humanity
The Lundy Model of Participation is a valuable framework for ensuring that children’s voices are heard and respected in educational settings. Developed by Professor Laura Lundy, this model emphasises four key elements: Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence. In the classroom, this approach can be effectively used to develop students' communication skills by creating an environment where they feel safe and encouraged to express their ideas.
By providing a Space—a supportive and inclusive environment—students are given the physical and emotional room to share their thoughts. Voice ensures that students are not just given opportunities to speak, but are actively encouraged and supported in doing so. Audience requires that there is a real listener for what the students have to say, whether that be their peers, teachers, or the wider school community. Finally, Influence ensures that the students’ contributions are taken seriously and considered in decision-making processes.
Implementing the Lundy Model in your classroom can significantly enhance communication skills by empowering students to express themselves confidently and effectively. By structuring activities around these principles, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, listen to others, and engage in meaningful dialogue, all of which are essential skills for their academic and personal growth.
More on the Lundy Model and participation here