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How Does Communication Impact Academic Success? Is There a Correlation?

Imagine these scenarios. A teacher observes one of her students interacting and talking to others in a small group on the playground. A student comes to the front of the classroom and shares the events of his summer in an organized manner and is even able to make the audience laugh. A student raises her hand to answer a difficult question and a second student joins in the conversation starting a discussion in the classroom that covers the teacher’s material in an interesting way. By the end of the discussion most of the students have participated. Each of the scenarios above, include communication. Research has shown that students who demonstrate strong communication skills are often perceived to be stronger students academically. In fact, students who communicate within and outside of the classroom are more often the students who teachers consider to be well- rounded and adjusted. In the last few years, research has suggested that speaking- up in an appropriate way, allows students to show what they know and allows them to practice communication styles that are necessary within the college classroom. Students in college are expected to answer questions, debate new ideas, and present information in front of large audiences. For many students, these expectations can be overwhelming especially if they have never attempted to speak-up in school. It is imperative that younger students learn appropriate communication skills early in life and practice these skills all throughout school. It is not enough for a child to memorize answers for a test but to learn how to incorporate the material into their everyday lives. Once the material is incorporated, they need to learn how to share the information with others. Research suggests that it is in the sharing and communicating that the real learning occurs. In 2006, communication researchers discovered a correlation between students who were able to maintain positive peer communication and academic success. Students who were able to communicate with others, scored higher academically. There is no doubt that effective communication is imperative to a successful academic life. In a brief nonscientific survey conducted by the author, a majority of college professors state that they want and encourage their students to communicate about the topics being learned. However, many professors believe that many students lack the confidence and the practice to use communication skills effectively within the classroom setting. One participant in the survey stated that “students come to college unprepared for the amount of presentations and communication necessary – in most colleges students are required to take at least one public speaking course and often students are terrified – training younger students in how to communicate will make the transition to college easier.” There is no doubt that academic success can be correlated with effective communication skills. Communication skills help students form their personalities and help them become the people they are meant to be. Communication skills help students organize their thoughts, form opinions, speak intelligently and maintain friendships. Communication skills helps them gain confidence and to learn new ways of settling old disputes. This discussion begs the question, how can my child become a better communicator and the simple answer is practice. The more practice one has in communicating in all aspect of his or her life, the more confident he or she becomes and the more likely he or she is to speak-up in new situations. Communication skills can be taught and learned through the art of imitation and practice. We should be encouraging our students to communicate and we should be teaching them how to use effective communication so they can interact on the playground, share presentations, ask questions, and join in a classroom discussion. Their academic success may depend on it.