2. Interaction and positive communication

1. What is communication?

Communication is the act of conveying information for the purpose of creating a shared understanding. It’s something that humans do every day. The word “communication” comes from the Latin “communis,” meaning “to share,” and includes verbal, non-verbal and electronic means of human interaction. 

1a. Non-verbal vs verbal communication

When we discuss communication, we often focus solely on speech and verbal communication. The spoken word only accounts for just 7% of the communication techniques we use in day-to-day life. 

With this in mind, techniques that need to be applied to achieve positive communication become much more complex. Effective communication can only be achieved by encompassing every aspect to form a strategy that promotes positive and respectful communication methods between students. 

2. Who might you communicate with in an educational setting?

You will communicate with a number of personnel within the school environment, who all have different roles and responsibilities. The types of communication methods you use with them will vary depending on their role and the situation in which you are communicating.

• Students

• Parents (with permission)

• Teachers

• Maintenance and cleaning employees

•  Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Education Officer (AEO) and colleagues

•  Language and cultural teaching assistants

•  other School Learning and Support Officers

•  School Learning Support Teachers and their teams

•  School Counsellors

•  Support Staff, such as Administration staff

•  Principals

• volunteers at the school - canteen, uniform shop, reading program etc.

•  Supervisors and School Management, such as the School Executive

• Parent/Carer Committees and School Council Members

• Visitors to the school

• Contractors