Theories of Congruent Communication by Haim Ginott

Anne Priyanka A/P Vincent

Definition of Congruent Communication

Congruent

Communication

:The successful
conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings

: In agreement or harmony

What is this theory about?

A style of speaking that does not attack others, but instead remains harmonious with feelings being experienced.

Teachers personal approach is the MOST influential element in creating the climate that contributes to childrens behaviour in the classroom.

The approaches/ strategies

According to Ginott, key features of Congruent Communication are:

Address situations rather than character

Invites cooperation

Accepts and acknowledges feelings Expresses anger appropriately Uses brevity in correcting misbehaviour Uses appreciation rather than evaluative praises

Key features of Non-Congruent Communication includes:

Label students and call them names

Ask rhetorical Whys and give moralistic lecture

Demand rather than invite cooperation

Attack students character

Make caustic or sarcastic remarks to students

Denies students feelings

Use evaluative praise to manipulate students

Strengths
Able to build cooperative relationships between students and teachers.

Diffuse the anxiety among students.

Addresses the students actions rather than the students character.

Allow students to express their feelings and opinions.

Weaknesses
Students themselves need to know how to communicate their ideas and opinions. Many students do not.

Does not work in violent situations.

Theory is not moulded into a model of its own.

Cultural considerations to be taken into account

The practicality of the theory in the local ESL classroom

Use clear communication.

Use sane messages.

Avoid punishment.

Use guidance not criticism.

Do not yell or scream to convey anger.

Use uncritical communication.

Avoid sarcasm and ridicule.

Use I messages instead of you messages.

Provide appreciative praises, not evaluative ones.

Avoid namecalling and labelling students.

Respect students privacy and avoid asking prying questions.

Conclusion
All classrooms function better when students and teachers relate and communicate well with each other. Interactive classrooms cannot function adequately unless class members engage with each other respectfully and helpfully.

References
http://prezi.com/a76y2zflzghl/14-practical-applications-of-ginottscongruent-communication-theory/ http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Classroom_Management_Theorists_and_ Theories/Haim_Ginott https://www2.bc.edu/~peck/Ginott.pdf http://www.drradloff.com/documents/the-significance-of-congruentcommunication-in-effective-classroom-management.pdf http://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/imprint_downloads/merrill_professio nal/images/charlesch8.pdf http://teechconsult.com/documents/e-Learning%20Degree/TSL427ClassMgt-W4.pdf