Chapter 13: Communication Skills

from the book "RootEd: How Trauma Impacts Learning and Society" by S.R. Zelenz

Communication is important in any relationship. Without communication, assumptions and misunderstandings prevail. This creates emotional reactions and behaviors that are counter to effective relationship building or to accomplishing goals. Much of the communication commonly seen in schools and families is more in alignment with maintaining order than respecting the individuals in the room. It is as if the individuals are less important than the goal. This is not to be confused with collectivist cultures who are looking for the common good of all involved. This is different. This is meeting the desire of an external party for the good of that party. The family and school are then subservient to the external party’s expectations. So, meaningful communication takes a back seat to ensure that the external party is appeased.

Teachers

Who is the external party? Well, in schools, it would be the school district, and the government entities that fund the schools. It isn’t about the teachers in …