USING MODERN STRATEGIES AND

METHODS OF IMPROVING
COMMUNICATION AND collaboration
THIINKING SKILLS IN TEACHING ENGLISH

Prepared by: Yormatova Yokutkhon Nurmatovna

PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Methodology of Language Teaching,
National Center for Teachers Training in New Methods of Ferghana region
Communication and collaboration are the abilities to exchange information, ideas, and
feedback, and to work together towards a common goal. These skills are crucial for
educational innovation, as they enable leaders to engage with diverse stakeholders,
identify needs and opportunities, and co-create solutions. Communication and
collaboration also prepare students for the 21st century, as they are required for
academic, professional, and civic success.
One way to integrate communication and collaboration into the curriculum is to design
learning activities that involve authentic, real-world problems and challenges. These
activities can be interdisciplinary, project-based, or inquiry-based, and they can involve
collaboration with peers, teachers, experts, or community members. For example,
students can work in teams to research and propose solutions for a local or global issue,
or to create a product or service that meets a need or demand.
Another way to integrate communication and collaboration into the assessment is
to use rubrics, portfolios, or performance tasks that measure these skills along with
content knowledge and other competencies. These assessment methods can
provide feedback on how well students communicate and collaborate with others,
and how they apply these skills to complex tasks. For example, students can
present their projects to an audience, or reflect on their collaboration process and
outcomes in a portfolio.
As an educational leader, you can
also model communication and
collaboration skills in your own
practice. This means that you
communicate clearly and respectfully
with your staff, students, parents, and
partners, and that you listen to their
perspectives and feedback. It also
means that you collaborate with them
to set goals, make decisions, and
implement changes. For example, you
can involve your staff in developing a
shared vision and action plan for your
school, or partner with other schools or
organizations to share resources and
best practices.
Finally, you can support communication and collaboration skills in your school culture by
creating a climate of trust, respect, and openness. This means that you encourage and
celebrate diversity, creativity, and innovation, and that you address conflicts and
challenges constructively. It also means that you provide opportunities and spaces for
communication and collaboration among your staff, students, and community. For
example, you can create professional learning communities, student clubs, or parent
councils that foster dialogue and cooperation.
The last step is to evaluate how communication and collaboration skills contribute to your school
improvement and innovation. This means that you collect and analyze data and evidence on how these
skills are taught, learned, and practiced in your school, and how they impact student outcomes and
school performance. It also means that you use this data and evidence to inform your planning,
decision-making, and action. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, or observations to assess the
level and quality of communication and collaboration in your school, or use test scores, graduation rates,
or satisfaction ratings to measure the effects of communication and collaboration on student
achievement and well-being.
1. Communication: It's about more than just speaking fluently or writing effectively.
Communication in the 21st century also entails listening actively, interpreting non-verbal
cues, and knowing how to convey thoughts clearly and respectfully in diverse settings.
2. Collaboration: As our world becomes more interconnected, the ability to work
harmoniously with others, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing to a
common goal becomes even more important. This includes teamwork, empathy, and
conflict-resolution skills.
Making Education Relevant
The Four C's model can help us reframe our understanding of education, emphasizing the
development of well-rounded individuals rather than just good test-takers. But how do we translate
this understanding into practice?
1. Discuss the Four C's: Let's engage in conversations with our children about these skills, illustrating
them with relatable examples from our lives and the world around us.
2. Integrate the Four C's in the Classroom: Teachers can design activities that promote these skills.
For instance, a debate or a problem-solving task can foster critical thinking and communication.
1. Apply the Four C's at Home: Parents can provide opportunities for children to practice
these skills outside school. This could be through family projects, community involvement,
or even discussions about current events.
2. Understand the Long-Term Impact: с. They prepare our children not only for the workforce
but also for active, informed participation in society.
suggestions for teachers to discuss, integrate, and apply The Four C's
with their students:
As Teachers:
1. Communication:
Group Presentations: Assign projects that require students to present their findings to the class, focusing on clear and
effective communication.
Active Listening Activities: Use activities that require students to
listen to others and then paraphrase or respond to their points.
 Collaboration
Cooperative Learning: Use strategies like Think-Pair-Share or Jigsaw, where students have
to work together and each person's contribution is crucial.
Teach Collaboration Skills: Explicitly teach skills like active listening, giving and receiving
feedback, and conflict resolution.
 COMMUNICATION
We need to teach communication – it doesn’t come naturally. Once learned, the more we practice
the easier it becomes. Teaching effective communication skills to children helps them to express
themselves clearly and convey their feelings. Many tantrums can happen because a child can’t
communicate their feelings appropriately. It is important to start teaching them early, helping them
find the words or labels for their feelings. (Check out my video on teaching feelings.)
A child who can verbally communicate well may be comfortable producing written communication
as well, which is likely to help them at school.
There are 3 types of communication: verbal, non-
verbal, and visual.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the use of words to share information with other people. This is
both written and verbal. It is all about the words that you choose and therefore how they
are interpreted.
 Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is how we communication through our facial expressions, our
gestures, body language, and tone of voice. Sometimes the non-verbal communication is
louder than the words spoken. It is important to know that our non-verbal communication is
as important as the words we choose, if not more important at times.
 Visual Communication
 This is where we communicate ideas and information through visual images, like signs, graphics, typography, illustration,
advertising and the such. Visual communication has been used throughout the centuries. Think cave drawings! People
are so creative.
Teaching collaborative communication skills may
come with its own set of challenges. Some
common challenges include student resistance,
lack of participation, and conflicts within groups.
However, with the right strategies, these
challenges can be addressed effectively. One
strategy is to provide clear guidelines and
expectations for collaborative communication.
Set ground rules for respectful communication
and establish consequences for inappropriate
behavior. Encourage students to take ownership
of their communication skills and hold each other
accountable.
 CONCLUSION
Teaching collaborative communication skills in high school is of utmost
importance. It equips students with the necessary skills to navigate through
social and emotional challenges, enhances their academic success, and
prepares them for future careers. By prioritizing social emotional learning and
collaborative communication, educators can empower students to become
effective communicators, collaborators, and leaders.