Teacher Communication Strategies Teacher Communication Strategies Supervisors may find knowing what communication qualities students value in their teachers useful as they work with teaching assistants. What teachers perceive as important communication qualities for classroom instructors like themselves is also informative. They also establish rapport with students. In addition to these public speaking qualities, interpersonal qualities valued include participation, indications of approval, and a willingness to accept differences. Closely connected are traits such as sincerity, understanding, approval, and a relaxed attitude.
Students also value nonverbal as well as verbal immediacy.
Examples of immediacy include willingness to use humor, praise students, engage in conversation, use personal examples, assess student opinions, carry through on topics students conceive, and give student feedback. Cooper, P.J. Speech Communication for the Classroom Teacher . Gorsuch Scarisbrack, 1991. This page was originally constructed by the Writing Consulting Program at the University of Kansas. It is currently maintained by the Center for Teaching Excellence.