According to sociolinguistics, there are eight main styles of pedagogical communication:
- “Mont Blanc” (dictatorship): An educator is not interested in positive interaction with pupils; accentuates the power of words. Communication takes place only to inform pupils.
- “Chinese Wall” (contactless): An educator accentuates their personality and neglects pupils.
- “Locator” (differentiate attention): An educator selects objects and chaotically switches between forms of communication.
- “Robot” (inflexible reaction): An educator follows the goals of communication and the educational program without adapting to changes in communicative situations.
- “Myself” (authoritative): An educator holds the initiative, hindering the initiatives of pupils.
- “Hamlet” (hyperreflexive): An educator constantly doubts chosen techniques, reactions of pupils, etc., accentuates self-presentation and emotional functions of communication.
- “Friend” (active interaction): An educator adequately uses forms of communication (dialogue, monologue) and passes communicative initiative to pupils.
- “Blackcock” (hyporeflective): An educator refuses to understand the needs of pupils and accentuates the informative function of communication.
Using the knowledge and skills in communicology, I strive to provide lessons in the manner of a “Friend.” Shalva Oleksandrovich Amonashvili is a well-known pedagogue who recommends using this style of pedagogical communication, in conjunction with humane pedagogy, which is most suitable for contemporary children.
If I were a pupil, I would not like to be taught by a teacher who acts like a “Blackcock.” It is clear why this would not be beneficial. Imagine if your English teacher were Severus Snape from Harry Potter. Would you study with enthusiasm? I don’t think so.
It is essential to avoid being a “Robot” in lessons. The educational program can be adjusted. Don’t teach like the Terminator. If you can’t avoid it and are dedicated to structure, then teach like a transformer. Children appreciate changes and variations. Be flexible.
An authoritative teacher, like “Myself,” hinders the initiative of pupils. This teacher’s dominance is at the forefront. Mr. or Mrs. “I,” thinks too highly of themselves. This teacher always believes they are right and the best. Darth Vader is not a pedagogue; he’s from Star Wars. That’s a bad idea—let’s forget it.
“Hamlet” is indecisive. A person using this style of pedagogical communication is not sure of their strength. This person is constantly seeking tricks and loopholes and never leads the class. “To teach or not to teach – that is the real question.”
A “Locator” always knows what to do but is never fully focused on the overall idea. Try to use one path but with different tools and take it step-by-step.
“Chinese Wall” neglects pupils and teaches only for money. He or she wants to finish quickly and do what they like. Imagine Ellochka Shchukina (from “The Twelve Chairs” by Soviet authors Ilf and Petrov) at the blackboard, giving English lessons. Absurd, isn’t it?
“Mont Blanc” is not popular now moreover, it is the worst way to conduct a class. I wonder how children can handle it. Would you like to be taught by a dictator? A carrot-and-stick motivation for students is not for them; it’s too complicated. Stick motivation alone is more effective.
P.S. Being a “Friend” to your pupils means maintaining a respectful distance to ensure they don’t take advantage of you. A teacher is not a horse; a teacher is a person who thirsts for knowledge and strives to pass it from one generation to another.
Copyright by Grygorii Kochkonian