Course Description:
Effective communication provides clarity, builds trust, builds better relationships and stronger teams. It provides direction and gives everyone the information they need to be successful, and it creates inclusion and ensures everyone is heard. In this course, we will be examining how you can design an effective communications plan for your school to align with your mission and values and to ensure that your many different audiences are receiving timely and targeted information. We’ll examine the different tools you can use as well as approaches for ensuring that the channels you use to communicate are being used successfully in your day-to-day operations.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Recognise the role of communication in promoting a positive school culture and engaging stakeholders.
- Develop a communication strategy that reflects the school’s mission and values.
- Evaluate and select the most suitable communication tools, such as visual materials, websites, newsletters, social media, and more.
- Create effective written communication, including newsletters, blogs, important notices, parent surveys and reports.
- Plan and execute engaging spoken communication, such as open days, events, assemblies, parent meetings, and consultations.
- Understand the importance of non-verbal communication, body language, and appropriate dress in conveying messages.
- Identify and overcome common obstacles to clear and effective communication.
- Develop a cohesive communication strategy that integrates various channels, tools, and approaches.
- Suggest changes and improvements in behaviour or performance to enhance the impact of the communication strategy.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Articulate the significance of effective communication in the educational context.
- Craft a communication strategy that is in harmony with their school’s mission and values.
- Identify and categorise diverse stakeholders and tailor communication to their needs.
- Select and utilise appropriate communication channels, including visual, written, spoken, and non-verbal methods.
- Create compelling written communication materials, from newsletters to reports.
- Execute engaging spoken communication during school events and meetings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of non-verbal communication, body language, and dressing appropriately for different situations.
- Overcome common barriers to effective communication in the school environment.
- Develop a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the school’s goals and objectives.
- Offer actionable recommendations to improve communication effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
Teachers will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement an effective communication strategy that fosters a positive and informed school community.
Resources & Assessment:
- The course provides a range of resources to support learners and facilitate the application of acquired knowledge.
- The course incorporates a comprehensive final assessment, known as the ‘Course Test’, designed to evaluate participants’ understanding of the essential concepts covered throughout the course. Upon successfully passing this test, participants will be awarded a course certificate.
