Interpersonal Skills 5

Communication Skills

***Students with communication disorders may have more academic abilities than they can communicate.

True or False: Students with a strong grasp of the basics of oral language can more easily decode new words within a reading passage and pronounce unfamiliar words, both of which are key skills in developing vocabulary.

True

Students who are able to hear and recognize distinct English sound patterns will find what much easier?

Spelling

Which two language skills are fundamental components of communication that play a vital role in various aspects of independent living?

Expressive and receptive language skills

Here's a breakdown of these terms and their significance:

Expressive Language Skills

• ability to convey thoughts, ideas, feelings, and needs through spoken or written language 

• encompasses verbal expression, writing, gesturing, and using other forms of communication to communicate effectively with others 

• involve vocabulary knowledge, sentence structure, grammar, and the ability to organize thoughts coherently

Expressive Language Skills Importance for Independent Living

• Self-Advocacy - enables individuals to advocate for themselves, express their preferences, and communicate their needs and desires effectively in various settings

• Problem-Solving - allows individuals to articulate their thoughts and participate in problem-solving discussions

• Employability - enhances employability and career prospects

• Community Engagement - facilitates active participation in community activities

Receptive Language Skills

• ability to understand and comprehend spoken or written language, including words, sentences, and discourse

• it involves listening, reading, interpreting nonverbal cues, and comprehending the meaning of messages conveyed by others

Receptive Language Skills Importance for Independent Living

• Understanding Instructions - essential for following instructions

• Accessing Information - allows individuals to access essential information

• Navigating Social Interactions - enables them to navigate social interactions effectively, build relationships, and engage in meaningful communication with others

• Safety and Well-Being - understanding verbal warnings, emergency procedures, and health-related information

***Speaking skills involve articulating thoughts, ideas, and information coherently and effectively through oral communication. This includes:

• clarity of speech

• organization of ideas

• appropriate use of language and tone

• engaging with listeners to convey messages persuasively or informatively.

The table below includes a few strategies for teaching speaking skills:

Roleplay

Students act out scenarios or play roles to practice speaking in different contexts, such as ordering food at a restaurant or negotiating a business deal.

Debate

Students engage in structured arguments on specific topics, which encourages critical thinking, persuasion, and articulation of ideas.

Discussion Circles

Small groups discuss predetermined topics, allowing each student to express their opinions, respond to others, and practice turn-taking.

Public Speaking

Students prepare and deliver speeches on various subjects, honing their ability to organize their thoughts, engage an audience, and speak confidently in front of others.

Peer Feedback

Students provide constructive feedback to each other on their speaking performances, focusing on areas such as clarity, fluency, pronunciation, and body language.

Language Games

Games like "Taboo," "Charades," or "20 Questions" can be adapted to focus on speaking skills, encouraging students to communicate effectively within the rules of the game.

Pronunciation Drills

Activities designed to specifically target pronunciation challenges, such as minimal pairs exercises or tongue twisters, can help students improve their spoken accuracy.

Real-world Tasks

Assignments that require students to complete practical speaking tasks, such as making phone calls, conducting interviews, or giving presentations, simulate authentic language use.

***Listening skills encompass the capacity to receive, interpret, and understand spoken language or auditory stimuli.

The following table lists some of the strategies that can be adapted and combined based on the student's proficiency level, the learning objectives of the course, and the specific listening skills aimed to develop:

Active Listening

Teach students to listen attentively by focusing on the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal and nonverbal feedback to demonstrate understanding.

Listening Comprehension Activities

Engage students in activities such as listening to audio recordings, podcasts, or videos, followed by comprehension questions or discussions.

Dictation

Read a passage aloud for students to transcribe, focusing on spelling and punctuation and listening for specific words or phrases.

Note-taking Skills

Teach students effective note-taking techniques to capture key points, main ideas, and supporting details while listening to lectures or presentations.

Pair or Group Listening

Have students work together to listen to audio materials and discuss their understanding, allowing for peer support and collaboration.

Listening Journals

Encourage students to keep journals where they reflect on their listening experiences, noting difficulties, strategies used, and areas for improvement.

Listening to Authentic Materials

Expose students to real-world listening materials, such as news broadcasts, interviews, or TED talks, to develop their ability to understand varied accents and contexts.

Audio-Visual Aids

Incorporate visuals such as pictures, diagrams, or subtitles alongside audio materials to provide context and aid comprehension.

***Pragmatic language skills involve using language effectively in social contexts to achieve communication goals.

This includes understanding social cues, adjusting speech, and navigating social situations.

The following strategies can be tailored to students' specific needs and abilities. They can be combined or adapted as necessary to promote the effective development of pragmatic language skills:

Role-playing Scenarios

Engage students in role-playing exercises where they can practice using language in different social contexts, such as conversations with friends, job interviews, or customer service interactions.

Video Modeling

Show videos or clips depicting various social situations and discuss the appropriate language and behaviors exhibited by the characters, helping students learn through observation and imitation.

Social Scripts

Provide students with scripts or phrases to use in common social situations, such as greeting others, asking for help, or expressing gratitude, helping them navigate interactions more effectively.

Explicit Instruction

Teach specific pragmatic language skills directly, such as turn-taking, making requests, expressing empathy, or giving feedback, and provide opportunities for guided practice and reinforcement.

Contextualized Practice

Create authentic opportunities for students to use pragmatic language skills in real-life situations, such as group discussions, collaborative projects, or community outings, promoting application and generalization.

Social Stories

Develop narratives that illustrate social scenarios, including thoughts, feelings, and appropriate responses, to help students understand and navigate complex social situations more effectively.

Peer Modeling and Feedback

Pair students together and provide opportunities for them to observe and learn from each other's social interactions, offering constructive feedback and encouragement to promote skill development.

Role of Perspective-taking

Incorporate activities that encourage students to consider others' perspectives, feelings, and intentions, fostering empathy and understanding in social interactions, and promoting effective communication.