Advanced Communication

Overview

Year Level:

Year 11

Duration:

80 minutes

Class Size:

24 students

Curriculum Area and Level:

This lesson is based on Level 1 of the New Zealand Curriculum, focusing on developing communication skills, both speaking and non-speaking, with an emphasis on Whanaungatanga (Relationship Building). This lesson is a follow-up to an introductory lesson on the same topic.

Objectives

• Cognitive: Students will deepen their understanding of speaking and non-speaking skills, focusing on their practical applications.
• Affective: Students will explore the impact of effective communication on personal and group dynamics.
• Behavioural: Students will demonstrate proficiency in both verbal and non-verbal communication through interactive and practical activities.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and slides
• Printed scenarios for role-playing activities
• Feedback forms for peer assessment
• Stopwatch or timer
• Handouts on effective communication strategies

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify the key components of effective speaking and non-speaking communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate these skills through practical exercises.
• Students will engage in peer-assessment to evaluate communication strategies.

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Greeting and Roll Call: Engage students with a warm greeting and take attendance.
• Recap of Previous Lesson: Briefly review the key points of the previous lesson on foundational communication skills (both speaking and non-speaking) focusing on familiar settings like school, work, and community.
• Lesson Objectives: Explain the goals for today's lesson, emphasising the practical application of communication skills and relationship-building aspects.

2. Concept Clarification (15 minutes)

• Speaking Skills Overview: Discuss key elements such as clarity, tone, pace, and body language. Use examples and short clips to illustrate these points.
• Non-Speaking Skills Overview: Explore components like listening, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Provide examples through visuals or short videos.
• Interactive Questions: Pose questions to the class to encourage an understanding of the practical applications of these skills.

3. Group Activity: Role Play (25 minutes)

• Instructions: Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students each) and distribute printed scenarios that require effective communication skills to resolve.
• Preparation Time: Allow 5 minutes for groups to read their scenarios and plan their role-plays.
• Role-Playing: Groups perform their role-plays in front of the class. Ensure each group has 3-4 minutes to display their scenario.
• Debrief: After each performance, provide constructive feedback with a focus on both speaking and non-speaking skills.

4. Practical Skills Application (20 minutes)

• Activity Setup: Pair up students for a "Partner Interview" exercise. Each student will take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee.
• Interview Questions: Provide a list of interview questions that relate to students' school life, career aspirations, or community involvement. Encourage them to focus on using both speaking and non-speaking skills effectively.
• Peer Assessment: After the interviews, each pair will fill out a feedback form assessing their partner's communication skills based on clarity, engagement, non-verbal cues, and active listening.

5. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Reflection Sheets: Distribute reflection sheets where students can write about what they learned and how they can apply these skills in real-life situations.
• Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion on the importance of combining speaking and non-speaking skills in effective communication. Use prompting questions to stimulate thought and engagement.
• Key Takeaways: Summarise the key points from today's lesson and discuss how these skills will be useful in their future endeavours.

6. Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Homework Assignment: Assign students to observe a conversation (in a public setting, at home, or in the media) and identify speaking and non-speaking skills being used. They should write a short reflection on this observation.
• Closing Remarks: Thank the students for their participation and provide a brief overview of what to expect in the next lesson focusing on advanced communication scenarios.

Assessment

• Formative: Ongoing teacher observation and feedback during role-plays and interviews.
• Peer Assessment: Feedback forms completed during the partner interview activity.
• Reflective Writing: Student reflections on what they learned and how it applies to their daily lives.

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This lesson plan incorporates an engaging mix of theoretical understanding and practical activities to ensure that students grasp the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional settings in accordance with the New Zealand Curriculum.