Communication: Meaning, Definition, Features, and Importance

Meaning of Communication

Communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, feelings, or messages from one person to another to create understanding. It is an essential life skill, especially for teachers, as it helps in transmitting knowledge, building relationships, and managing classrooms.

Example
A teacher explaining a math problem to students, listening to their doubts, and clarifying them, demonstrates the process of communication.

Definition of Communication

Several scholars have defined communication:

• Oxford Dictionary:
  “Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.”
• Keith Davis:
  “Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another.”
• Louis A. Allen:
  “Communication is the sum of all the things one person does when he wants to create understanding in the mind of another. It involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening, and understanding.”

Features of Communication

1. Two-way Process:
   It involves a sender and a receiver. Both must participate for effective communication.
   Example: A teacher asks a question (sender), a student responds (receiver), and the teacher gives feedback.
2. Continuous Process:
   Communication never stops; it is ongoing in any classroom or relationship.
   Example: Teachers and students interact daily—inside and outside the classroom.
3. Goal-Oriented:
   Every communication has a purpose, such as instructing, informing, persuading, or motivating.
   Example: Giving homework instructions clearly so students understand what to do.
4. Involves Exchange of Ideas:
   Communication is about sharing information, emotions, and thoughts.
   Example: Discussing current events during a social science class.
5. Can Be Verbal or Non-Verbal:
   Messages can be conveyed through words, tone, facial expressions, gestures, or even silence.
   Example: Nodding to show agreement or using visual aids while teaching.
6. Requires Understanding:
   Communication is successful only when the receiver understands the message as intended by the sender.
   Example: Using simple language so all students can follow the lesson.

Importance of Communication for Teachers

1. Facilitates Learning:
   Clear communication helps students understand concepts, instructions, and expectations.
   Example: Explaining a science experiment step-by-step improves comprehension and safety.
2. Builds Relationships:
   Good communication fosters trust and positive relationships between teachers and students.
   Example: Listening empathetically when a student shares a personal problem.
3. Classroom Management:
   Effective communication sets rules, routines, and boundaries, leading to disciplined classrooms.
   Example: Stating classroom rules at the beginning of the year.
4. Motivates Students:
   Encouraging words and positive feedback can boost student morale and participation.
   Example: Praising a student for improvement in handwriting.
5. Promotes Inclusiveness:
   Teachers can reach every student, including those with different learning styles or language backgrounds, through adapted communication.
   Example: Using visual aids for students who struggle with verbal instructions.
6. Professional Growth:
   Good communication skills help teachers collaborate with colleagues, parents, and the community.
   Example: Sharing best practices with other teachers during staff meetings.

Summary Table

Aspect	Key Points	Example
Meaning	Process of sharing ideas, feelings, and information	Teacher explaining a topic
Definition	Several; always about transferring understanding	"Passing information" (Davis)
Features	Two-way, continuous, goal-oriented, verbal/non-verbal, requires understanding	Teacher-student Q&A, gestures
Importance	Aids learning, builds relationships, manages class, motivates, inclusive, professional growth	Using praise, visual aids, setting rules