Professional Education

Dr. Ronnie Kramer, President and founder of Communication Dynamics, is not only an expert in implementing technology for learning, but also in facilitative communication.  We were honored to have her present at our Professional & Career College Summit recently, where she kicked off an important conversation on communication with the insight “everyone communicates, but not everyone connects.”

Communication is important throughout education, but even more so for people in career colleges who have jobs, families, and other obligations to balance with their education.  Dr. Kramer urges people to think back to the teachers that inspired them most and capture those traits going forward in their communication.  Was it their passion?  Their expertise? Their creativity?  All of the above? Even if the educator doesn’t have a personality that shines through their communications, Dr. Kramer shared several learning techniques that can help:

• Visual Aids
• Streaming Media
• Storytelling (Case Studies)
• Reflective Journalism
• Role Playing
• Collaborative Learning (Groups/Peer review)
• Polls
• Social Media

Of course, the most facilitative thing Dr. Kramer says you can do for effective communication is to use an “Active Listening Model.”  You can try asking open ended questions, encouraging participation (but don’t punish those who don’t), asking for feedback, and being encouraging.   You’ll go from “communicating” to “connecting” in no time!