Instructional Communication Competence: Lessons Learned from Award-Winning Teachers

Responding to calls for more holistic views on instructional communication, this study used interpretive methods to examine award-winning instructor's communicative practices to assess and to refine a definition of instructional communication competence. After observing and interviewing recipients of the Central States Communication Association Outstanding New Teacher Award, we describe how these award-winning teachers (a) understand the ebb and flow of the classroom, (b) use a wide repertoire of communication skills, (c) create relationships with students, and (d) effectively manage their classroom climates.