Foundations of Communication

The study of communication is composed of three domains: communication pedagogy, developmental communication, and instructional communication. The researchers in the field of communication education are interested in what happens in the classroom and how we develop the ability to communicate competently.

 

   

Communication Pedagogy:

This can be described as how we teach communication. According to Simonds and Cooper (2011), researchers who study communication pedagogy are interested in determining the appropriate ways of teaching communication competencies. These researchers also look at the most effective ways of teaching small groups, public speaking, interpersonal communication and how to provide feedback to students that is effective.

 

Developmental Communication:

According to Simonds and Cooper (2011), developmental communication is how individuals acquire or develop communication skills. It is suggested that communication education researchers should concern themselves with how students develop communication competencies, how teachers and students develop and maintain interpersonal relationships, and how teachers socialize into their roles and develop a teaching style. In basic terms, developmental communication addresses the long-term impact of communication issues in educational settings.

 

Instructional Communication:

Instructional communication is how to use communication to teach. According to Simonds and Cooper (2011), instructional communication scholars are concerned with the communication skills that all teachers need, regardless of the subject they teach, to function competently in the classroom. This research area emphasizes the central role of communication in the learning process. All teachers need to have a certain level of communication competence to be effective in the classroom.