Running head: COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Elisabeth Moore
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 495 Field Experience ePortfolio, Fall 2016

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Introduction
Communication and collaboration are essential in a successful classroom. There are many
ways of effectively communicating and collaborating with others in the field of education. Both
communication and collaboration between all parties involved in education are important
because a teacher cannot be as successful in providing high-quality education for students
without the help of others.

Rationale for Selection of Artifacts

My first artifact is a picture of notes that were taken during a 3rd grade collaboration
meeting. I had the opportunity to attend grade level collaboration meetings as well as Principals
Advisory Committee meetings. Collaboration meetings with grade level teachers and specialists
are extremely important for the school community. Discussing the weaknesses in the grade level
the previous year, as well as discussing how to overcome those weaknesses, is important for
teachers to be able to grow, learn, and become better teachers. Brainstorming new ideas to teach
familiar material is effective in gaining the attention of the students. Collaboration meetings
provide a platform for new ideas to grow and develop.
Clear communication between the teacher and parents or guardians is vital to a successful
classroom. My second artifact is a letter that I sent home to the parents informing them about my
placement in their childs classroom and praising the school and their teacher. I chose a parent
letter as my second artifact because I believe that parents and guardians should always be
informed of what is going on in the classroom. This letter was inserted in to the students parent/

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teacher communication folders. Inside of these folders are behavior notes which each parent
checks and signs on a daily basis. A letter such as this opens the door for communication
between the parents and the teacher. It also opens the door using positive communication as
opposed to the first form of communication being when a student is struggling. Opening the door
for positive communication at the beginning of the year causes the parent or guardian to realize
the support of the teacher as well as the importance of their involvement in their childs
education.

Reflection on Theory and Practice

Parents and guardians play a key role in a students success in the classroom. According
to Marzano, parental involvement increases academic achievement in the
classroom (Marzano, as cited in Powell, 2003, p. 339). Parental involvement is just as important
as the teachers role in the classroom. At Regent, I have learned the importance of
communication and collaboration between the teacher and the parents or guardians of the
students. In collaborating with parents and guardians, teachers are able to assist in the growth of
the students as students as well as contributing members of society. Through communication
between the parents and the school community, teachers are better able to educate their students.
In learning more about the communities surrounding the school, the teacher is able to better
understand his or her students (Radford, p. 32). Teachers should provide different forms of
communication such as parent/teacher behavior folders as well as positive phone calls and notes.
Communication and collaboration are also vital within the school environment.

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Collaboration with the other teachers and specialists at the school plays a key role in effective
classroom management and lesson planning. In collaborating with other teachers, lessons
become more effective and reach a greater number of children. Collaboration strengthens each
teachers weaknesses and helps teachers to come up with new ideas to teach the same material.
There is a great benefit in attending collaboration meetings with the grade level teachers as well
as specialists. By sharing ideas, it could help a fellow teacher learn and grow. By communicating
with the students, the students will put forth their best effort. For example, when the students
know the schedule for the day and what is expected of them, they can effectively prepare for it
and achieve to greater heights. I believe that through repeated communication with students, the
teacher is teaching the students about the importance of communication and how to effectively
communicate with others.
Communicating with others as well as being willing to collaborate are two strengths
which are necessary for a successful teacher.

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References
Powell, S. D. (2011). Your introduction to education: Explorations in teaching (2nd ed.). Boston,
MA: Pearson.

Radford, C. P. (2013). Strategies for Successful Student Teaching (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson