Running head: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Brinda Patel
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience ePortfolio, Spring 2016

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

Introduction
Communication is a vital element when it comes to teaching. Not only teachers need to
communicate effectively with other faculty and administration but also they need to
communicate well with parents. Communication can be performed via using letters, emails or
meetings. Communication and collaboration go hand in hand in a classroom. A teacher can
collaborate with other teachers and plan successful lesson plans.
Rationale for Artifacts
First artifact that I chose for this competency is 'Introduction letter to parent" because a
letter in my opinion is one of the most important form of communication. It is really important to
keep parents informed about any changes happening in the classroom. My main objective for
writing this letter was to let parents know that there will be a student teacher in the classroom
beside classroom teacher who will be responsible for teaching some lessons to their kids. I
believe that if parents are kept involved in their child's education, it will help their kids succeed.
In my letter, I gave basic information about myself and explained my roles and position in Ms.
Reimond's classroom. I gave them my email Id and asked them to contact me if they had any
concerns or questions. Finally, I also mentioned that I am excited to be a part of their kid's
classroom. This letter was sent out to parents in my 2nd week of placement.
Second artifact that I chose was the notes from parent-teacher conference. I had an
opportunity to attend a parent-teacher conference in my week 3 and it was an experience that I
never had before. Before the meeting, Ms.Reimond gave me a brief overview on what the
meeting was going to be about. One of the student's mother, my cooperating teacher, guidance
counselor and myself were a part of this meeting. Parent's main concern was his son's academic

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

struggle and his mood swings. She also mentioned that his son (Seth) is not taking ADHD pills
anymore. I took parent's permission and wrote notes about the conversation we were having.
Guidance counselor suggested few options that will be suitable for Seth. I noticed that the parent
was very happy by the end of the conference as both Ms.Reimond and guidance counselor
tackled the situation very positively.
Reflection
My above artifacts show how communication and collaboration can be effective. I have
learned that communication made in any form can be helpful. My previous work experience
have helped me be a better communicator. As soon as I started my placement, I made sure I knew
each students' name within 2- 3 days. This was very helpful as now my students feel very
comfortable with me being around them everyday. "Setting up effective communication and
forming a team are very powerful tools in helping children be successful in school" (Curwin,
2012). This is very true as after Ms.Reimond sent out my introduction letter to the parents,
several parents have come to classroom as mystery readers or lunch buddies and they have had
conversation with me about their child.
All in all, teaming up with parents or other teachers can help students learn better. I have
learned to keep a positive tone when communicating with others. Ephesians 4:29,"Let no
corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the
occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (KJV). I have also learned that to always be
very considerate when conversing with parents as this creates a very friendly environment.

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Reference
Curwin, R. (2012). Parents and Teachers: The Possibility of a Dream Team. Retrieved February
08, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/parent-teacher-collaboration-richard-curwin