Standard

Instruction and Assessment

Standard 1. The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding.

1.1 Focuses attention

* Pays attention in conversations or discussion while others are talking
* Identifies and exhibits appropriate audience behaviors in varied settings (e.g., theatrical performances, classroom directions, presentations, lessons)

1.2 Listens and observes to gain and interpret information

* Interprets nonverbal communication
* Identifies and interprets visual information (e.g., illustrations, dance)
* Listens for, identifies, and explains: purpose, main ideas and details
* Summarizes, infers, and interprets
* Evaluates speech and media for fact or opinion, accuracy, organization of ideas
* Follows oral directions

1.3 Checks for understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing

* Asks questions to clarify content and meaning including who, what, why, when, where, and how
* Paraphrases information
* Gives opinions about what is being expressed

Instructional Strategies

1.1 - 1.3
* Active listening
* Cooperative learning
* Student-generated questions
* Saturation reports
* I reports
* Read-talk-write
* Total physical response activities

Assessment

* Self-evaluation
* Group evaluation
* Journals
* Checklists
* Rubrics
* Teacher observation
* Anecdotal records

Standard 2. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively

2.1 Communicates clearly to a range of audiences for different purposes

* Communicates with larger groups (e.g., assemblies, committees)
* Designs presentations based on needs of the audience
* Chooses form appropriate for purpose and audience

2.2 Develops content and ideas

* Chooses content which relates to topic, audience, and purpose
* Selects material from multiple sources
* Organizes information in a logical sequence using smooth transitions
* Conveys ideas clearly

2.3 Uses effective delivery

* Speaks at an appropriate volume and rate
* Speaks fluently, expressively, and with confidence
* Makes eye contact
* Uses appropriate facial expression and body language

2.4 Uses effective language and style

* Uses grammatically correct language and varied sentences
* Uses vocabulary appropriate to purpose and audience
* Uses respectful and accurate language
* Begins to adapt style to topic, audience, and purpose

2.5 Effectively uses action, sound, and/or images to support presentations

* Selects and uses visual aids (e.g., maps, diagrams) and appropriate media to illustrate ideas

Instructional Strategies

2.1 - 2.5
* Oral presentations (e.g., Story path)
* Multi-media presentations
* Cooperative learning (e.g., kit-based science)
* Speeches
* Projects

Assessment

* Self-evaluation
* Peer evaluation
* Teacher observation
* Video taping
* Anecdotal records

Standard 3. The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.

3.1 Uses language to interact effectively and responsibly with others

* Demonstrates conversation skills: giving personal and group introductions, obtaining and providing assistance, and giving clear oral directions
* Distinguishes that there are different purposes for speech (e.g., to inform, to persuade)
* Uses nonverbal clues
* Uses responsible, respectful language
* Varies language depending on situation and audience

3.2 Works cooperatively as a member of a group

* Assumes a variety of roles
* Encourages others
* Participates in or leads group: contributes cooperatively, uses respectful language and behavior, facilitates group results

3.3 Seeks agreement and solutions through discussion

* Acknowledges various ideas and viewpoints
* Accepts responsibility for personal actions
* Examines options and consequences
* Suggests solutions and initiates action

Instructional Strategies

3.1 - 3.3
* Cooperative learning
* Literature circles
* Group projects
* Class meetings
* Peer conferencing
* Writing groups

Assessment

* Teacher observation
* Anecdotal record
* Self-evaluation
* Peer evaluation

Standard 4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of formal and informal communication.

4.1 Assesses strengths and needs for improvement; assesses own and others' communication strengths and needs and sets goals for improvement

* Uses established criteria to evaluate and set goals to improve one's own and others' presentations (e.g., fact vs. opinion, credibility)

4.2 Seeks and offers feedback; seeks and uses feedback to improve communication; offers suggestions and comments to others

* Offers specific constructive feedback based on established criteria
* Accepts and applies feedback on own presentations when appropriate

4.3 Analyzes mass communication

* Analyzes mass media for purposes and some techniques (e.g., stereotyping, celebrity testimonial)
* Analyzes media for fact, opinion, and credibility
* Analyzes media for point of view and underlying assumptions

4.4 Analyzes how communication is used in career settings

* Analyzes purposes of different kinds of communication in the workplace (e.g., voice- mail, debates, interviews)

Instructional Strategies

4.1 - 4.4
* Goal setting
* Peer conferencing
* Presentations
* Multi-media presentations
* Establishing criteria for effective presentations and constructive feedback, i.e. rubrics
* Comparing and contrasting research data from various media resources

Assessment

* Group assessment
* Peer assessment
* Reflective journal
* Teacher observations
* Anecdotal records