Search

This report describes a program implemented to improve inadequate student communication skills, specifically in the areas of listening, speaking, social, and emotional development. The targeted population consisted of first and second grade students in a middle class community, located in central Illinois. Evidence for the existence of the problem includes a survey of teachers' perceptions of students communication skills, students' writing skills samples, teacher journals of students' social and emotional skills, and Iowa Test of Basic Skills listening scores. Analysis of probable cause data revealed that communication issues can be broken down into four categories that include societal issues, family issues, curricular issues, and instructional issues. Within the society, there are many different negative factors affecting children and their development of communication skills. Poor family guidance and support are also hindering these skills. Over-loaded curriculums need to be revised to include communication goals. Within the classroom there is little explicit instruction of listening and speaking skills, as well as social and emotional skills. A review of the solution strategies suggested by the professional literature and an analysis of the problem resulted in the development of a four-step intervention process. This intervention includes activities that develop the skills of listening and speaking, social and emotional interaction, cooperative learning, and conflict resolution. With these interventions, communication skills and academic achievement improved. Postintervention data indicated an increase in the students' communication skills, specifically in the areas of listening, speaking, social, and emotional development. Post-intervention data also indicated that the students' cooperative learning and conflict resolution skills improved as a result of increased communication skills. Contains 47 references, and 14 tables and 14 figures of data. Appendixes contain survey instruments, checklists, listening activities, social skills activities, emotional skills activities, cooperative activities, classroom setups, and conflict resolution activities. (Author/RS)