Communication Interaction Strategies Special Education Paraprofessional Workbook Module

Communication & Interaction Strategies Special Education Paraprofessional Workbook Module 5

Causes of Communication Breakdowns • External communication barriers • Internal communication barriers • Lack of interest or attention • Failure to listen • Failure to clarify comments • Childhood teachings • Failure to see a person as an individual • Interruptions • Lack of selfconfidence • Ignorance of your projected image

Approaches to Communication • • Aggression Passive aggressive Assertive

Effective Strategies • Maintain a pleasant tone of voice. • Vary your speed. • Choose your words carefully. • Use “I” messages rather than “you” messages. • Use a person’s name. • Use the appropriate nonverbal cues. • Ask meaningful questions. • Choose an appropriate time for communicating.

Handling Negative Feelings • Recognize responsibility for personal faults. • Discuss your negative feelings. • Describe the issue or behavior without emotion. • Use “I” messages. • Discuss your problem without making accusations. • Do not bring up already-settled issues. • Follow the guidelines for effective communication.

Skills for Effective Listening • Prepare to listen. • Listen to what the speaker is and is not saying. • Concentrate. • Be empathetic. • Have an open mind. • Judge the content, not the delivery. • Repeat what you think you heard for clarification. • Provide feedback.

Nonverbal Communication

Interacting with Teachers and Parents • General strategies • Interacting with teachers • Interacting with parents

Interacting with Students • • Treat all equally Acknowledge Behavior management techniques Positive feedback every day Student first, not disability Address student directly Encouraging rather than correcting