Applied Communication: The Core of Progressive High School Education

Importance of Applied Communication in High School Education

Applied communication plays a crucial role in high school education as it equips students with essential skills that go beyond academic knowledge. It encompasses various aspects such as verbal and nonverbal communication, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.

By focusing on applied communication, progressive high schools can empower students to effectively express themselves, collaborate with others, and succeed in their future personal and professional endeavors.

Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

One of the primary benefits of incorporating applied communication in high school education is its ability to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through interactive classroom activities, debates, and presentations, students are encouraged to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and develop logical arguments. These skills are crucial for students to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas, as well as find innovative solutions to complex problems both in their academic and personal lives.

By actively engaging in discussions and debates, students learn to question, challenge, and evaluate information critically. They develop the ability to examine multiple viewpoints, consider evidence, and form well-reasoned opinions. This enhances their analytical skills and teaches them to approach problems from different angles.

Furthermore, when students participate in collaborative projects and presentations, they acquire essential teamwork and problem-solving skills. They learn to effectively communicate and negotiate with their peers, share responsibilities, and overcome challenges together.

The application of communication skills in solving real-life problems also promotes creativity. By encouraging students to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions, applied communication in high school education nurtures their ability to generate ideas and find unique approaches to challenges.

Overall, the integration of applied communication in high school education provides students with the necessary tools to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for their future personal and professional endeavors.

Enhance Interpersonal Communication Skills

Effective interpersonal communication skills are vital for building meaningful relationships, resolving conflicts, and collaborating with others. Progressive high schools can provide students with ample opportunities to hone their interpersonal communication skills through various activities, including:

Group Projects

Engaging in group projects allows students to interact and communicate with their peers. Collaborating on tasks and projects helps them develop teamwork skills, learn how to delegate responsibilities, and improve their ability to communicate ideas effectively within a group setting. This form of communication also cultivates problem-solving skills and encourages students to consider multiple perspectives.

Role-Playing Exercises

Role-playing exercises in the classroom provide students with a safe and controlled environment to practice interpersonal communication skills. By assuming different roles and perspectives, students learn to empathize with others, express their thoughts and emotions assertively, and develop active listening skills. This activity promotes understanding and empathy, key attributes for effective communication.

Discussions

Engaging in discussions allows students to actively participate in conversations, express their opinions, and respectfully challenge the ideas of others. Through these discussions, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, use appropriate language, and develop persuasive communication techniques. It also encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze and evaluate different perspectives.
To further enhance students’ interpersonal communication skills, high schools can incorporate workshops or seminars conducted by communication experts or professionals. These workshops may focus on topics such as active listening, conflict resolution, and nonverbal communication cues.
By enhancing interpersonal communication skills, students not only succeed academically but also develop valuable life skills that can benefit them in future employment and personal relationships. Effective interpersonal communication enables individuals to build strong connections, resolve conflicts amicably, and collaborate effectively in professional environments. It also fosters empathy and understanding, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Develop Effective Writing Skills

Effective writing skills are fundamental for students in both academic and professional settings. By prioritizing applied communication, high schools can focus on developing these crucial skills. Through various teaching techniques and activities, students can enhance their writing abilities and express their ideas clearly and persuasively.

Structuring and Organizing Thoughts

• Teaching students how to structure their thoughts helps them present their ideas in a logical and coherent manner.
• By organizing their thoughts effectively, students can convey their arguments and supporting evidence more efficiently.

Using Appropriate Language

• Emphasizing the importance of using appropriate language helps students develop a professional and polished writing style.
• By understanding the audience and purpose of their writing, students can adapt their language to suit the specific context.

Presenting Arguments Coherently

• Teaching students how to present arguments coherently helps them convey their ideas and viewpoints persuasively.
• Through practice and guidance, students can learn how to structure their arguments, provide evidence, and make their writing more convincing.

Regular Writing Assignments and Peer Feedback

• Regular writing assignments provide students with ample opportunities to practice and improve their writing skills.
• By receiving feedback from peers and teachers, students can learn to identify areas for improvement and refine their writing style.

With a focus on developing effective writing skills, high schools can equip students with the ability to express themselves clearly and persuasively in various contexts. By providing them with the necessary tools and guidance, students can thrive academically and later in their professional lives.

Promote Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Public speaking and presentation skills are essential for students to confidently convey their thoughts and ideas to an audience. By providing opportunities for class presentations, debates, and speech competitions, progressive high schools can help students develop and improve their public speaking skills.
Here are key aspects of promoting public speaking and presentation skills:

Class Presentations

Encourage students to regularly participate in class presentations where they can showcase their understanding of a topic or share a project they have worked on. This helps them build confidence in public speaking, learn how to structure their ideas, and engage with their peers.

Debates

Organize debates within the classroom, allowing students to explore different perspectives and develop critical thinking skills. Debates not only improve students’ ability to present arguments logically but also teach them how to respond effectively to counterarguments.

Speech Competitions

Hold speech competitions where students can compete and showcase their public speaking skills. This gives them a platform to refine their delivery, practice using effective gestures and body language, and captivate an audience with their ideas.

Effective Communication Techniques

Teach students the art of effective communication by focusing on elements such as voice modulation, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate body language. Highlight the importance of clear articulation, pausing for emphasis, and using visual aids effectively to enhance their presentations.

Audience Engagement

Emphasize the significance of engaging with the audience during presentations. Encourage students to ask thought-provoking questions, invite discussion, and actively listen to feedback or questions from their peers.
By promoting public speaking and presentation skills, high schools empower students to express themselves confidently, articulate their ideas persuasively, and effectively engage with their audience. These skills are invaluable in various personal and professional settings, enabling students to become effective leaders, communicators, and influencers in their future endeavors.

Emphasizing Digital Communication in High School Education

In today’s digital era, the importance of proficiency in digital communication cannot be overstated. As technology continues to shape our society and the way we connect with one another, it is crucial for high schools to incorporate lessons on digital communication into their curriculum. This will prepare students for the increasingly digital world they will encounter beyond the classroom.

Teaching Email Etiquette

One aspect of digital communication that high schools should prioritize is teaching email etiquette. Email is a commonly used form of communication in both academic and professional settings, and understanding the proper way to compose and interact through emails is essential. Students should be taught how to craft professional and concise emails, use appropriate language and tone, and understand the importance of proper salutations and signatures. This will ensure that students are prepared to effectively communicate through email in their future endeavors.

Exploring Online Collaboration Tools

Another crucial aspect of digital communication is exploring online collaboration tools. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to work collaboratively with others, even remotely, is highly valued. High schools should introduce students to various online collaboration tools, such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, or project management platforms. By familiarizing students with these tools, they can develop the skills needed to effectively collaborate and communicate with others in virtual environments, preparing them for future academic and professional collaborations.

Promoting Social Media Etiquette

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is important for high schools to educate students on how to navigate these platforms responsibly. This includes teaching social media etiquette and the potential consequences of digital footprints. Students should be made aware of the importance of privacy settings, appropriate online behavior, and the potential impact of their online presence. Providing students with this knowledge will enable them to engage in digital communication without compromising their personal and professional reputation.

Responsible Use of Technology

Not only should high schools focus on specific digital communication platforms, but they should also emphasize the responsible use of technology in general. Students should be educated on the potential risks associated with digital communication, such as cyberbullying, phishing, and online scams. By promoting digital literacy and teaching students how to protect themselves and their personal information online, high schools can ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

Promote Cultural and Global Communication Awareness

Applied communication in high school education should emphasize the importance of cultural and global communication awareness. Through exposure to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, students can develop an understanding and appreciation for diverse ways of communication.

• Cultural Awareness: Exposure to different cultures allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding of different customs, beliefs, and traditions. This awareness helps create a more inclusive and empathetic environment where students can engage with others respectfully.
• Language Learning: Learning different languages facilitates effective cross-cultural communication. It enables students to communicate directly with individuals from diverse backgrounds and promotes a deeper understanding of their cultures.
• Perspective Taking: By being exposed to diverse perspectives, students develop the ability to see issues from different lenses. This skill helps them become more open-minded and empathetic in their communication with others.

This awareness enables students to communicate respectfully and effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and prepares them to navigate the increasingly interconnected and diverse world they will encounter outside of the classroom.

According to a study conducted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), cultural and global awareness acquired through language and cultural education positively affects students’ academic, social, and cognitive development. It also improves their proficiency in other subjects and expands their career opportunities in an international context.

To further promote cultural and global communication awareness, high schools can incorporate activities such as:

1. Organizing cultural exchange programs that allow students to interact with peers from different countries and learn about their cultures first-hand.
2. Inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives.
3. Integrating global issues and current events into the curriculum to encourage students to engage in discussions and debates on topics with global significance.

By implementing these strategies, high schools provide students with opportunities to develop their cultural and global communication skills, enabling them to become culturally competent individuals who can effectively communicate and collaborate in an increasingly interconnected world.