INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION

Karadag, Engin and Caliskan, Nihat (2009). "Interaction and Communication in the Process of Education and Shared Common Area in the Classroom." College Study Journal, Issue 43, No. 1, 123-128.

Summary/ Analysis:

In short, this article outlines what teachers must do to be effective communicators in the classroom. There are a number of factors to consider: Body language is paramount amongst these. Teachers are constantly transmitting non- verbal messages to their students that can affect the overall climate of the classroom. They must maintain a proper distance and project confidence without seeming aggressive; this will in turn transform the "common living space" into one that is conducive for learning. Teachers must be equally aware of their student's non-verbal messages. They must be attuned to signs of disengagement and uncomfortability. When acknowledging these tendencies outright, teachers can begin to break down the barriers adversely affecting their "living space." Finally, teachers should be aware of the cultural and socio-economic background of their constituency. When recognizing these differences, teachers can paradoxically create what the author calls a "universal culture" in the classroom, centered around student diversity.

Analysis:

This article is quite poorly written. In addition to possessing clear grammatical errors and mispellings, the article makes gross generalizations without offering support. For example, the article contends that "teachers need communication more than anyone. It is an obligation. The only to communication is through interaction." Besides being banal, this statement offers little insight and support into the nuances of teacher student interaction.

This article is useful in providing a framework for factors to consider in creating "classroom culture." However, I would not use it in defense of anything else. It's simply too un- focused and broad.

Quotes:

"Teachers who want to communicate effectively should predict the behaviors of
children."

"In order to make positive connections, teachers should control their behaviors and
understand the body language of their student."

"The most important component of education is a student."

References:

Aqikg6z, K. U. (1996). Etkili Ogrenme ve dgretme [Effective learning and teaching]. Izmir: Kanyilmaz Publication.

Ani-Nader, J. (1993). Meeting the needs of multiculturalclassrooms, family valnes and the motivatien of minotity students, devesity and teacling: teacher education yearbook. Texas: Jovanovich College Publications.

Balkan, 0. (1998). Bildirisim insan dili ve &tesi [Communicaiton, human language and
beyond]. Istanbul: Altin Publication.

Celep, C. (2002). Sinify5netimi ve disiplin [Classroom
management and discipline]. Ankara: Ani Publication.