Useful Techniques for Effective communication in the Classroom

A central principle of groupwork is that each person's contribution is valued equally. Four techniques which encourage sharing and active participation by everyone in the group are circle, brainstorming, rounds and the use of games.
Circle: there are a number of advantaged to sitting in a circle to do groupwork:

• You can all see and hear each other.
• You can all make eyes contact.
• You are all equal.
• The facilitator or leader is a member of the group.
• It's easier to concentrate and listen to each other.
• You feel like a group.

The aim is for the circle quickly to become a safe place, where people can speak freely, express their opinions, share their feelings and contribute, or not, without fear of ridicule.

Brainstorming: it is important to get across to the group that you are going to take serioiusly whatever it is that they say. We feel that the best way to do this is to write down absolutetly everything they say, and censor nothing, even if it is silly.

Underlying all the purposes of brainstorming, there is one fundamental aim: the enhancemet of self-concept. It is not magilcal, it is not panacea, but it is a very subtle and effective method. The fact that all contributions are accepted and anonymous, that no one is excluded or evaluated, that most of the time the facilitator cannot even notice who is participating, all add up to a positive feeling in the group.

Round: A round is an activity in which is person in the circle has an opportunity to make a statement about whatever subject is agreed by the group. One person starts, and the turns move round the circle. There are two rules. First, no one may comment on what anyone else says; second, anyone can say ' I pass ' when it is their turn.

The round can be used at any point where there needs to be an expression of opinion, or feedback, or planning, or evalution.

Using Games: Games have many uses in groupwork. They help people to relax and they stimulate communication. Brandes and Ginnis have lots of good ideas for games that can be played in adult groups. They suggest that games can:

• Provide a structure to lean on .
• Initiate group work skills.
• Defuse tension.
• Build trust and sensivity.
• Enhance self esteem.
• Provide opportunity for everyone to participate (or not).
• Enhance academic achievement.
• Break down barriers.
• Promote good communication.
• Improve group functioning.
• Increase self-disclosure.
• Increase concentration.
• Encourage creativity and lateral thinking.

Some adults have an in-built resistence to any activity which is introduced as a 'game'. Yet just as a medicine doesn't have to taste vile in order to do you good, so activities don't have to be intellectual to have a seriouis learning purpose to them. On the contrary, people learn best when they are relaxed and energized. If games are introduced in the right way, people resiste them less and often discover that they have a wealth of creative talent. A group which keeps bursting into laughter while applying itself to the task in hand is unhindered by inhibiton or embarrasment and free to explore every possibility.