Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the exchange of information, feelings and meaning through the verbal and nonverbal messages between two or more people. This is the face to face communication that allows us to build our relationships with others. It is these interpersonal relationships, built through interpersonal communication that teachers and students consider to be important and necessary for effective teaching (Simonds & Cooper, 2011).

 

Good interpersonal communication will lead to effective teaching and greater student success. It is imperative to recognize that good teachers are often regarded as being able to communicate well with the students. They are able to communicate information clearly and what they know in a way that makes sense to the student. Good teachers have the ability to make people feel good about themselves and possess strong conflict management skills (Simonds & Cooper, 2011). Despite what a student or teacher may expect, the more we know about one another, the more effective our communication will be with that person. This will be essential for the ideal teacher/student relationship to reach its full potential.

 

Teacher and Student Expectations of communication