Communication is an important tool in collaboration because...

Communication is a key component to collaborative practice because it is the means by which we transfer ideas, build relationships and obtain information. Communication and collaboration go hand in hand. Without communication, collaboration would be impossible. Communication encompasses many things: verbal communication forms, nonverbal communication and perceptions, among others. Even the most linear forms of communication, although they are one sided, can offer a greater benefit to the collaborative process than no communication at all. For example, in an IEP meeting, if for some reason one member could not attend the meeting but submitted documentation which included their observations, evaluations, and/or recommendations, this would be much better than having no input whatsoever from them. Another important aspect of communication that can impact the collaborative practice is understanding nonverbal cues. If you are planning a meeting and ask a co-worker to make copies of the paper work that will be needed and he rolls his eyes, this is his way of sending you a message. It should be addressed. By doing so, you might find out that this person does not feel valued because they are being asked to do something that the office aides can handle while the rest of the planning team gets started on planning the agenda. The next time he may not show up at all and the group may lose out on valuable insight. Misunderstandings can also occur when the communicator does not consider their audience and match their communication accordingly. This happened to me my first year of teaching. I was teaching a room full of 2nd grade ELL students. We were discussing a topic and I wanted to relay that everyone would get a chance to contribute. I said to my students, "We are going to go around the room and everyone will get a chance to tell what they think." Suddenly, my students started getting up from their seats and walking around the classroom. They took my words literally. All aspects of communication play a big role in the success of the collaboration process.