Oral Communication

The oral communication strand in the Ontario language Curriculum is perhaps one of the more fascinating, informative components which students are able to study. The strand aims to develop and strengthen an individual’s understanding of self and society through the exploration of numerous outlets. The Ontario Curriculum handbook for language claims that oral communication skills are “fundamental to the development of literacy and essential for thinking and learning...To develop their oral communication skills, students need numerous opportunities to listen and to talk about a range of subjects, including personal interests, school work, and current affairs” (p 10). Oral communication focuses on educating students on effective listening skills so that they may become influential communicators. Students are expected to listen to a selection of texts and formulate a personal opinion and/or reaction to respond to what is being asked. The development of oral communication skills significantly impacts the way in which individuals are able to succeed and grow academically.  Oral communication skills effects an individual’s every day way of living therefore it is essential that educators work to enhance and provide students with different resources to improve and increase their vocabulary.

Twenty first century society has evolved into one dependent on technology. Contemporary individuals gather and retain a majority of their knowledge through different digital outlets and resources. For student’s to thrive in the twenty first century digital era it is essential that educators take the time to discover digital data bases which support academic development. Pod casts are an example of an educational facilitator which individuals can access for information on a variety of academic subjects.  These outlets are also developed to assist educators and students on questions which the may raise in regards to different areas of study. A resource which I had the opportunity to investigate was titled 50 Educational Podcasts You Should Check Out. This resource provides users with a multitude of podcasts and blogs which discusses different transformations within the contemporary classroom.  Podcasts have significantly grown in popularity over the years and continue to be introduced into the classroom as they are engaging and increase a user’s likelihood to retain information as their focus shifts from text to sound. The resource which I paid particular attention to was titled EdTechTalk. This outlet features a collection of teachers who work in collaboration to discuss a multitude of teaching strategies and issues faced within the everyday classroom.  “This podcast is called Teachers Teaching Teachers and is a collaborative effort. Teachers discuss new software and tools they are successfully using in the classroom”.  A resource such as this one becomes beneficial towards an educators growth within the classroom as it provides an assortment of perspectives and opinions on how to improve teaching techniques.

Oral communication allows student the exploration of different resources and ideas in an innovative way which may increase their interest level and enjoyment of study. In the Tedtalk provided the speaker, Julian Treasure, discuss the importance of developing listening skills as he claims that individuals no longer practise the art of listening due to the constant noises and distractions around us.  The message which the speaker relays coincides with the oral communication strand as it emphasizes the importance of developing and utilizing listening skills within academic studies.  An individual’s listening abilities coincides with their capability of becoming valued members of society.  When we are able to  absorb what is being said to us and respond in a logical manner our understanding of self and society increases.

Link to Ted Talk Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSohjlYQI2A

Link to Images:

www.slideshare.net

https://www.pinterest.com/dyoon9112/listening/