Source: Sharpen Your Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills > DINFOS Pavilion > Article
Communication is a fundamental skill that is essential in collaborative learning. Collaborative teaching styles provide ample opportunities for students to develop and improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
Participating in group discussions, debates, and presentations helps to develop verbal communication skills. Students learn to express their ideas clearly, articulate their thoughts, and engage in effective verbal communication by actively participating in these collaborative activities. They engage in active listening to understand their peers’ points of view and respond thoughtfully, fostering meaningful dialogue and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Furthermore, collaborative learning helps students improve their nonverbal communication skills. They become more aware of their body language, facial expressions, and gestures and learn to use them to effectively communicate their thoughts and emotions. Students also become more sensitive to nonverbal cues from their peers, which aids in the interpretation and response to others’ messages. This increased awareness of nonverbal communication promotes comprehension, empathy, and cooperation in collaborative groups.
Teachers play an important role in encouraging effective communication. They can model effective communication strategies, provide guidelines for respectful dialogue, and encourage active listening. Teachers can help students refine their verbal and nonverbal communication skills by incorporating activities that focus on communication skills development, such as role-playing scenarios or group discussions with specific communication objectives.
