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Communication is Central

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Learner communication (as opposed to teacher communication) facilitates better learning. Perhaps the most critical reasons for getting learners to talk (or type online) are:

bulletChanging Attitudes and Beliefs. A fuller argument was articulated in the Distributed Learning Framework

bulletRemembering. Many studies have underlined how much memory retention is enhanced by talking (or writing) about a subject. Getting students to talk about a subject id many more times more powerful than letting them just read or listen.

bulletTeam Thing. Many learning activities are utterly dependent upon communication:

  • Brainstorm
  • Document Review and Approval
  • Coaching Techniques
  • Mediation

bulletClarify. Students are likely to have many questions, relating to instructions or the subject. If they are left unanswered the learning and motivation is likely to decrease.

bulletFeedback. Learners need constant praise, reassurance and feedback to keep motivated. For this to be effective.