Communication Theme 5

Many students—and frankly a lot of adults—struggle to understand and implement good communication in their relationships. The beginning of each semester is the start of a new relationship between educators and students. We can explain the importance of it being a healthy relationship. It’s a great metaphor to return to again and again throughout the semester. Students and educators can check in with each other, clear misunderstandings, establish their boundaries, and reflect on what’s going right and what needs to be worked on. We can praise our classes when they show healthy characteristics. On the flip side, if things go poorly, we can go as far as ‘breaking up’ with some of our classes! This may seem quirky, but it tells them that we respect ourselves, will no longer ignore the ‘red flags’ of  unhealthy relationships, and that we will distance ourselves from someone who cannot provide the treatment we deserve.