Standard (Curriculum)

Instruction and Assessment

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

1.1 Focuses attention

* Gives evidence of paying attention (e.g., eye contact, no distracting movement or sound)
* Exhibits appropriate audience behavior in formal and informal settings

1.2 Listens and observes to gain and interpret information

* Interprets combinations of verbal and nonverbal communication
* Follows complex oral directions
* Evaluates media for accuracy, validity, and appropriateness

1.3 Checks for understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing

* Asks questions to verify meaning
* Paraphrases information from a variety of visual and oral presentations

Instructional Strategies

1.1 - 1.3
* Active listening
* Student-generated questions
* Carousel (team webbing)
* Paraphrasing
* Saturation reports
* Read-talk-write
* Think-pair-share

Assessment

* Self-evaluation with journal, checklist, rubric
* 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 people outside the school (e.g., voice mail)
* Communicates for a variety of purposes (e.g., inform, persuade)
* Chooses a variety of forms for purpose and audience

2.2 Develops content and ideas

* Selects and narrows a topic for specific audience/purpose
* Selects essential or intriguing information from multiple sources
* Organizes with a clear opening, a logical sequence, and a conclusion

2.3 Uses effective delivery

* Considers appropriate volume, pace, and gesture for the purpose and audience
* Speaks directly to audience with confidence

2.4 Uses effective language and style

* Varies sentence length
* Uses grammatically correct language
* Uses appropriate vocabulary for topic (e.g., scientific terms) as well as for purpose and audience

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

* Selects available media and visual aids appropriate for audience and purpose

Instructional Strategies

2.1 - 2.5
* Presentations
* Speeches
* Projects
* Jigsaw
* Thinking maps
* Voice exercises for delivery
* Role playing
* Debate
* Mock trial
* Interviewing peers and adults

Assessment

* Assessment of presentation using a scoring guide developed by the participants
* Critiques from audience based on clear criteria established in advance

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

* Varies language to suit audience and purpose
* Articulates situations calling for formal or informal language
* Uses responsible, respectful language

3.2 Works cooperatively as a member of a group

* Assumes a variety of roles in a group
* Contributes information and encouragement to group
* Listens respectfully in a group

3.3 Seeks agreement and solutions through discussion

* Discusses various ideas and viewpoints
* Acts responsibly within the group
* Evaluates options, selects solutions, and initiates action

Instructional Strategies

3.1 - 3.3
* Cooperative learning/groups
* Group projects
* Carousel (team webbing)
* KWL
* Peer revision for writing
* Mock trial
* Improvisation exercises

Assessment

* Group self-assessment
* Reflective journals

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

* Contributes to criteria for evaluation of presentations
* Evaluates own presentations and sets goals for improvement

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

* Identifies persuasive techniques used in media (e.g., celebrity endorsement)
* Explains varied purposes of media presentations
* Recognizes fact, opinion, and validity of content

4.4 Analyzes how communication is used in career settings

* Matches purposes to forms of communication (e.g., e-mail to inform large groups)

Instructional Support Materials

Instructional Strategies

4.1 - 4.4
* Goal setting
* KWL
* Establishing criteria for effective presentations and constructive feedback
* Journals, reflection and self-evaluation
* Analysis of media
*Defining formal and informal communication, and when each is most appropriate

Assessment

* Group self-assessment
* Reflective journal
* Content journal