UPCOMING DATE(s):

 

28th October-1st November 2024 (CONFIRMED)

 

"Effective Communication Strategies for School Leadership & Management" is designed to provide educational leaders with the essential communication skills necessary for successful school administration. Recognising that effective communication is integral to effective school management, this course focuses on equipping leaders with strategies to enhance their interactions with staff, students, and the wider school community. Participants will explore a range of communication techniques, including how to convey messages clearly, manage conflicts, and foster a collaborative school culture. The course will address both verbal and non-verbal communication, enabling leaders to present information persuasively and respond to challenges with confidence.

 

Throughout the course, participants will engage in a variety of interactive activities such as role-playing, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises. These practical sessions are designed to simulate real-life management situations, allowing leaders to practise and refine their communication skills in a supportive environment. Topics will include effective meeting management, delivering constructive feedback, and using communication to drive school-wide initiatives.

 

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a comprehensive set of communication strategies tailored to the needs of school management. They will be equipped to handle complex interpersonal dynamics, lead with clarity, and build stronger relationships within their school community. This course empowers educational leaders to apply advanced communication techniques to enhance their leadership effectiveness and drive positive outcomes within their schools.

1. Enhanced Communication Skills: You will develop a strong command of various communication techniques, enabling you to convey messages clearly and effectively to different audiences, including staff, students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

2. Improved Active Listening: You will learn the art of active listening, allowing you to better understand the needs and concerns of others and respond with empathy and understanding.

3. Conflict Resolution Proficiency: You will gain the skills and confidence to manage conflicts within the school environment, fostering a more harmonious and productive atmosphere.

4. Crisis Communication Competence: You will be prepared to handle crises and emergencies with effective and timely communication, ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

5. Strengthened Relationship Building: You will acquire strategies to build positive and collaborative relationships with students, parents, staff, and the broader community, leading to improved trust and cooperation.

6. Effective Meeting and Presentation Abilities: You will become adept at planning and leading meetings, as well as delivering engaging and informative presentations, thus promoting productive school discussions.

7. Ethical and Inclusive Communication: You will understand the importance of ethical and inclusive communication practices, ensuring that you communicate with respect, fairness, and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

8. Feedback and Constructive Criticism Skills: You will be capable of providing constructive feedback and criticism in a manner that motivates and supports personal and professional growth.

9. Practical Application: Through hands-on exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, you will have opportunities to apply the communication strategies and techniques you have learned.

Lessons take place from Monday to Friday in the morning. 

 

Day 1 - Monday: Fundamentals of Effective Communication

 

Welcoming and Course Introduction

School Presentations

Understanding the Communication Process

Communication Styles and Preferences: adapting communication to different audiences

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication: Explore techniques for clear and impactful verbal communication & understand the importance of non-verbal cues and how they influence interactions

Interactive Workshop: Communication Exercises: Role-playing activities and group exercises to practise verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

 

Day 2 - Tuesday: Advanced Communication Techniques, Active Listening and Feedback

 

Effective Messaging and Presentation: Techniques for crafting clear and persuasive messages.

Strategies for delivering effective presentations and speeches.

Importance of active listening

Active listening techniques for understanding and responding to others’ needs and concerns.

Providing Effective Feedback: Best practices for giving constructive feedback and conducting performance reviews that motivate and support professional growth.

Practical Activity: Simulated scenarios where participants practise delivering feedback in a controlled environment.

 

Day 3 - Wednesday: Conflict Resolution and Crisis Communication

 

Conflict Resolution Strategies for School Management

Navigating Difficult Conversations as a School Leader

Crisis Communication Planning and Response in Educational Leadership

De-escalation Techniques for Conflict Resolution

Managing Crisis Communication Across Multiple Stakeholders

Practical Activity: Simulated scenarios where participants practise managing conflicts in a controlled environment.

 

Day 4 - Thursday: Communication Strategies for Team Management and Effective Meetings

 

Leading Effective Meetings: Techniques for planning and conducting productive meetings. Methods to ensure clear communication and engagement from all participants.

Delegation and Communication

Effective delegation practices and communication strategies to ensure tasks are clearly assigned and understood.

Strategies for fostering team collaboration and cohesion. Techniques for motivating and managing diverse teams.

Interactive Workshop: Leading Meetings and Teams

Practice leading simulated meetings and team-building activities to apply communication strategies in real-time.

 

Day 5 - Friday: Building Relationships, Course Wrap-up and Certificates 

 

Building Positive Relationships within school management and administration teams.

Strategies for Fostering a Positive School Culture

Trust-building techniques, strategies for effective networking, and approaches to maintaining positive and productive relationships over time.

Leading Inclusive and Diverse School Communities

Recap of Key Learnings: Course Evaluation and Q&A

Participant Feedback and Discussion

Certificate Presentation and validation of Erasmus+ mobility documents