Effective Conversations

E- LAC - Making Collegial Conversations Count - Dr Jean Annan's E-LAC framework - key elements to effective mentoring talanoa.

Thoughts and reflections from the module learning:

1. The idea that the conversation should be natural, based on genuine interest and attentive listening is fundamental. I often find myself short on time in schools. I move through the playground scanning the various teachers and students I want to connect and check in with.Often, i am doing this en route to work with a Teaching Assistant or meet with a teacher. Sometimes I feel like a windmill and this creates a tendency to 'rush' the talanoa or to interrupt with questions so that I can leave the school or the talanoa with the information I need. This is a constant internal conflict when I want to be present and to give people the time it requires.

2. I consider myself to be a good listener but I do tend to 'question' rather than allowing the talanoa to 'meander' as Annan refers to in her module presentation. I do think, however, that these opportunities in school are so valuable and absolutely meet the objectives of providing "support, knowledge, and accountability through reciprocal interaction in multiple relationships". ( Annan and Ryba, 2013)

3. My thoughts recently and casual talanoa with new Cluster 7 RTLB Ann Fifa Collins reminded me that the Pacific concept of the talanoa sits ideally into Jean Annan's model. The oral tradition is a natural and genuine gift and we can learn a lot from observing our Pacific colleagues as they weave both listening and thoughtful talanoa into professional coaching conversations.