International Encyclopedia of Communication Online

Extract

Socio-communicative style is a presentational communication trait. Teachers with a particular style should communicate in a consistent manner, demonstrating that style over time and in different situations. The constructs of teacher socio-communicative style (how a teacher would perceive himself or herself) and teacher socio-communicative orientation (how students would view the teacher) are based on earlier research into psychological androgyny, social style, personal style, and →  communicator style (→  Teacher Communication Style ). Measurement of teacher socio-communicative style is based on teachers' levels of assertiveness and responsiveness. People who are assertive communicators are strong in their interaction management skills; they are able to initiate, maintain, and terminate conversations skillfully. Assertive people are also able to speak up for what is rightfully theirs and are focused on being successful and achieving their goals. Being competitive, dominant, forceful, and independent are characteristic of being assertive (→  Teacher Assertiveness ). Assertive teachers would have control of their classrooms. Others would perceive these teachers as being the leaders of the classroom. Although there may be plenty of student discussion and participation in their classrooms, assertive teachers would make sure the class focused on the task and accomplished the objectives ... log in or subscribe to read full text