At TVI (The Village International School, Thodupuzha), I had the privilege of engaging with a team of educators who demonstrated a profound understanding of the pivotal role that communication plays in unlocking a student's potential. The collaborative discussions were not only intellectually stimulating but also highlighted the team's creativity in conceptualizing mnemonics to enhance our comprehension of communication's significance. Each letter in our respective mnemonics was meticulously presented by team members, complete with real-life classroom examples, leaving a lasting impression. The commitment and thoughtfulness of the team were truly impressive, and I want to express my appreciation to Saritha Goutham, who leads this exceptional group of educators. Here is a brief overview of the mnemonics we collectively developed to illustrate the multifaceted aspects of effective communication: INSPIRE: - I: Impressions can change, so be open to revising your initial judgments. - N: Keep your message concise; brevity is an art. - S: Focus on solutions alongside discussing concerns. - P: Praise in public and criticize in private to show care and support. - I: Have insight into your message and maintain clarity. - R: Respond rather than react during communication. - E: Consider the emotional state of both yourself and the other person before speaking. ASPIRE: - A: Avoid making assumptions. - S: Keep your communication simple. - P: Offer praise. - I: Ensure the message maintains interest. - R: Respond thoughtfully. - E: Monitor emotions throughout the conversation. COMMUNIS: - C: Be clear, concise, concrete, correct, complete, coherent, and consistent. - O: Clarify the objective of your message. - M: Ensure your message is clear. - M: Be aware of nonverbal communication. - U: Use universal language. - N: Aim to nurture relationships. - I: Be intelligent and informative. - S: Keep it simple. FRIEND: - F: Value feedback. - R: Build relationships. - I: Inspire and encourage. - E: Strive for effectiveness. - N: Keep it natural. - D: Demonstrate your point effectively. CALM DOWN: - C: Choose a conducive environment. - A: Stay alert. - L: Listen actively. - M: Select the appropriate method of communication. - D: Maintain dignity and recognize diverse student needs. - O: Organize your thoughts. - W: Foster a willingness to learn during the process. - N: Inject novelty to maintain interest. STIMULATE: - S: Keep it simple and straightforward. - T: Get to the point. - I: Make it intentionally interesting. - M: Motivate the other party. - U: Ensure your message is unambiguous. - L: Actively listen. - A: Pay attention. - T: Build trust. - E: Acknowledge the significance of emotions in communication. The discussions, mnemonics, and examples reinforced the idea that effective communication is not only a crucial skill for educators but a multifaceted, nuanced process that requires care and consideration. These concepts will undoubtedly be put into practice as the team embarks on its educational journey from June 3rd onwards.
