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On June 22, 2021, we will launch updated strategies for the Math PK-2 model, as well as additional updates to the Navigator that highlight equity, SEL, and culturally responsive teaching. To learn more, visit our Site Updates (available in the "About" menu at the top of any page).
Hover to see how factors connect to Oral Communication Skills. Then click connected factors to explore strategies related to multiple factors.
Communicating effectively requires the ability to to convey thoughts and goals and understand information presented by others. These skills allow adults to communicate with a variety of people, including within academic, workplace, personal, and peer contexts. Ineffective communication skills can cause frustration as misunderstandings may lead to conflicts between parties.
Communication can include exchanges with instructors in classes, peers in collaborative settings, or managers and staff where adults must have the skills to communicate and to use the appropriate level of formality. Oral communication also includes public speaking. There are multiple component skills that contribute to producing and understanding oral communication:
Those adults who struggle with Foundational Reading Skills also often struggle with some or all of the above Oral Communication Skills. Adult learners, through interacting with others over time, have likely developed processes for exchanging information, thoughts, and ideas with others. However, adult learners may still need additional support to develop advanced Vocabulary, Syntax, and Morphological Knowledge. Many cognitive functions decline over the lifespan which may in turn cause difficulty with Oral Communication Skills as one ages.
Using language that is accessible and appropriately leveled for each student allows all learners to feel successful and participate in learning.
Experts can answer questions and provide vocabulary, processes, feedback, and scaffolds to help learners deepen their understanding.
Audiobooks allow learners to hear fluent reading and experience books in a flexible format.
When adults can connect and communicate with authentic audiences about their interests and values, learning becomes more personally meaningful and relevant.
Developing empathy in educators and in learners is an iterative process that requires taking the time to understand and honor others' perspectives.
Case studies support authentic, active learning experiences centered around real world situations that present an account of a particular set of circumstances for learners to engage with.
Understanding adults' lived experiences and cultural backgrounds and connecting them to instructional practices helps all learners feel like valued members of the community.
When preparing for and executing a debate, learners analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking skills, an essential component of Problem Solving.
Developing cultural awareness as an educator is an ongoing process that includes building empathy for diverse learners, intentionally recognizing how one's own identity intersects with learners' identities, and creating an awareness of how the environment can impact learners' Sense of Belonging.
Discussions about race can range from celebrating the importance of diversity to understanding the impact of racism from the perspective of those who have been historically marginalized.
Networking and supporting adult learners in expanding their social networks provide access to additional resources and Social Supports, which can impact their trajectory and Motivation.
Experiential learning is learning by doing, which may include self-directed learning activities.
Giving learners the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud helps them to solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
Seeing and using new words repeatedly and across contexts is critical for vocabulary acquisition.
When adults are aware that learning involves effort, mistakes, reflection, and refinement of strategies, they are more resilient when they struggle.
Setting overall goals with actionable steps for achievement can help learners feel more confident in their abilities and help minimize procrastination-related behaviors.
Visualizing how ideas fit together helps learners construct meaning and strengthens their recall.
Opportunities for students to practice skills in context, with instructor support and also independently, helps to move concepts and ideas into Long-term Memory.
Visual reading aids, such as handouts and online guides, help learners to maintain Attention and serve to support the learning process.
Metaphors and analogies can support learners by helping to form connections and to notice patterns and similarities that promote learning, self-concept, and higher order thinking.
For adults, the Composition process can become more robust when learners can express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
Instruction and training presented in multiple formats allows learners to activate different cognitive skills and Backgrou