Effective Communication in Teaching and Coaching

Posted on Dec 6, 2024 in Physical Education

Communication System Challenges

Weaver (1959) identified three levels of challenges in communication systems:

  • Technical Problems: How accurately can the desired information be transmitted?
  • Semantic Problems: How precisely does the conveyed message reflect the intended meaning?
  • Effectiveness Problems: How effectively does the received message influence the recipient’s behavior as desired?

Essential Aspects of Information in Teaching and Coaching

  • Objective and Accurate: Information should be descriptive and conceptually sound, addressing semantic challenges.
  • Sufficient Quantity: The message must contain enough information for effective learning and retention, addressing effectiveness problems.
  • Organized and Structured: Information should be structured progressively, emphasizing key aspects for proper interpretation, addressing both effectiveness and semantic challenges.
  • Accessible Language: The language used should match the learner’s comprehension level, addressing technical and effectiveness problems.
  • Communication Channels: Teaching and coaching typically utilize three primary channels:
  • Visual
    • Auditory
    • Kinesthetic-Tactile

1. Visual Channel

  • Fast and direct means of conveying information.
  • Offers a large amount of information quickly.
  • Facilitates learning through imitation.
  • Form of nonverbal communication.
  • Ways to utilize the visual channel:

a) Demonstrations

Achieving the intended teaching outcome through live performance by the teacher or another person (e.g., pupil).

Advantages:

  • Enables a quick and accurate global picture of the desired action.
  • Saves time and replaces lengthy explanations.
  • Positively influences student perception.
  • Motivates learning through imitation and admiration.
  • Consolidates the demonstrator’s expert status.
  • Provides a relatable peer model.
  • Enhances self-esteem and group appreciation.

Disadvantages:

  • Not always readily available.
  • Can transmit the demonstrator’s flaws or biases.
  • May be overly generalized, lacking emphasis on specific aspects.
  • Requires strategic positioning for group visibility.
  • Effective for simpler movements without significant execution difficulty.

b) Visual Aids (Analytical)

Visual information provided by the coach to players about movement execution, without performing the entire movement. It is similar to a demonstration but more analytical, often used for complex exercises and not at real-time speed.

Advantages:

  • The teacher doesn’t need to be a perfect performer.
  • Allows teaching a wide range of activities, not just those the teacher can execute well.
  • Develops selective attention by focusing on specific analytical aspects.

Disadvantages:

  • Does not show the entire movement at a glance.
  • May not inherently motivate students.
  • Can potentially create disinterest.

c) Visual Aids (Media)

Media resources like videos, slides, charts, or graphics used for global or analytical demonstrations.

Advantages:

  • Provides comprehensive (demonstrations) or analytical information.
  • Focuses student attention on difficult aspects of a movement.
  • Helps form a correct mental image for the student.
  • Highly encouraging.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires investment in media and materials.
  • Requires time to prepare and use.

2. Auditory Channel

  • Information conveyed with or without verbal content, such as sound cues.
  • Ways to utilize the auditory channel:

a) Description

Using speech to create a mental image of the desired action. A sequential development of the movement is described in detail.

Advantages:

  • Provides comprehensive or partial information (focused attention).
  • Useful for simple exercises when presented globally.

Disadvantages:

  • Not effective for complicated exercises.
  • Excessive explanations can be counterproductive.

b) Explanation

Providing players with the reasons and motives behind the desired performance. Explanations should be clear, simple, and related to the entire movement, including how it should feel.

Advantages:

  • Helpful when truly necessary.
  • Language and explanation level should match the individuals’ capacity (age, knowledge, etc.).

Disadvantages:

  • Can be time-consuming.

c) Sound Cues

Using nonverbal sounds associated with movement execution to enhance precision and rhythm.

Advantages:

  • Useful when correct execution produces a distinctive sound.
  • Helps convey the intrinsic rhythmic structure of movements.

Disadvantages:

  • Must be used carefully to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

3. Kinesthetic-Tactile Channel

  • Involves information through internal sensory feedback about movement execution.
  • Coaches can intervene in two ways:
  • Ways to utilize the kinesthetic-tactile channel:

a) Manual Guidance

Direct support from the teacher to make the student aware of the movement or its parts and the associated sensations (e.g., guiding hand). Commonly used in risky activities.

b) Automatic Support

Kinesthetic information resulting indirectly from a disruption in normal execution to highlight specific elements to the player.