Collaboration and communication between the school and the teacher

Communication and collaboration between schools and teachers in a higher education institution (HEI)  play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and productive environment, which promotes a sense of belonging and inclusivity among all staff members/teachers. Collaboration and communication are part of key soft skill competencies known as the “4Cs”: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication (Thornhill-Miller, 2023).  Collaborative support between school and teachers is important to school success. Communication, openness, and participation are key for creating a climate of trust. Professional relationships based on trust contribute to the development of a common vision for the school (Martinez et al, 2021).

Effective communication and collaboration also improve productivity and promote a positive work culture that can lead to increased motivation and facilitate efficient coordination and implementation of schools’ goals. According to research in (Martinez et al, 2021), the school plays a major role in constructing conditions which promote knowledge sharing and collaboration, contributing to schools transformation and reorganization; suitable leadership emerges as a crucial factor of school improvement. The included research addressed the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration, highlighting the key role of leaders in building spaces and processes through which teachers can collaborate (Drossel, 2019).

In today’s digital age, effective communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of educational institutions (HarrySub, 2023). Teacher collaboration pays off on students, teachers as well as the whole school level (Vangrieken, 2015). Establishing an appropriate collaborative and inclusive culture in HEIs is essential for creating a positive, productive, and supportive environment, increasing teachers motivation (Gabnytė and Strakšienė, 2019). The importance of such a culture extends to various aspects of the institution’s functioning and contributes to the overall success of the academic community.   Several qualities support cooperation and communication at different levels between staff and management:

• • Openness to Listening – building a collaborative relationship between schools and teachers, ensuring trust, engagement, and inclusivity, and creating an environment where both educators and administrators can work together to achieve shared educational goals. Emphasizing this aspect contributes to a positive school culture and enhances the overall educational experience for everyone involved.

• • Continuous Learning – ensures that educators remain dynamic, engaged, and well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the shared goals of educational institutions. The continuous learning and collaborative efforts create a positive and forward-thinking educational environment.

• • Adaptability – empowering teachers and schools to be adaptable for collaboration to become more resilient, responsive, and effective in achieving shared objectives for student success and institutional excellence.

• • Effective Communication Skills – ensuring clear and open lines of communication, where teachers feel supported, results in aligned goals and successful educational outcomes.

Crisis Communication – creating mechanisms for effective communication and information dissemination in uncertain times improve collaboration and communication activities in HEIs.

Communication in HEIs is mostly formal, however informal communication also contributes to success. While Formal Communication involves official channels such as meetings, reports, and official announcements, ensuring consistent and structured information flow, Informal Communication occurs through casual interactions, emails, and informal meetings. Both forms help build personal connections and a sense of belonging.

By emphasizing effective communication, fostering collaboration, and implementing good practices (James H. Stronge, 2018), HEIs can create a positive and inclusive atmosphere by following different good practices.

• • Regular Meetings – scheduling regular staff meetings and forums to discuss HEIs matters encourages an open dialogue where staff can express concerns and provide input. Scheduling regular team meetings to facilitate open discussions, updates, and collaboration provides a platform for staff members to share their insights and experiences.

• • Collaborative Projects – encouraging cross-functional or interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration among staff members. A sense of shared responsibility for common goals is attributed to good collaboration.

• • Communication Platforms – implementing digital communication platforms to facilitate easy and efficient communication among staff members. Encourage the sharing of ideas, resources, and updates through these platforms.

• • Transparent Communication – keeping staff informed about decisions, changes, and future plans, transparency builds trust and fosters a collaborative culture.

• • Inclusive Decision-Making – involving staff in decision-making processes, especially those that impact their work. Inclusivity promotes a sense of ownership and commitment.

• • Inclusive Policies – developing and implementing policies that promote inclusivity and diversity within the institution. Ensuring that all staff members feel valued and respected.

• • Professional Development Opportunities – providing opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge. Investing in professional development shows a commitment to staff growth.

• • Recognition and Appreciation – Acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of staff members. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces a positive work environment.

• • Conflict Resolution Mechanisms – Establishing clear processes for addressing conflicts and concerns. Effective conflict resolution ensures a healthy work environment.

• • Social Events – Organizing social events or team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships. Informal settings can improve communication.

• • Open-Door Policy – Implementing an open-door policy where staff members feel comfortable approaching management with ideas, concerns, or feedback. Fostering a culture of approachability.

Establishing an appropriate collaborative and inclusive culture in HEIs is essential for fostering a positive, productive, and supportive environment (Wright et al, 2022). There are several strategies to facilitate teacher collaboration, but different organizational models do not guarantee collaboration (Caskey and Carpenter, 2014).  There are however different activities, presented in the following subsections, which can support a collaborative environment (Jongbloed et al, 2018).

• • Recognizing, that people have different perspectives

• • Inclusivity brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• • A culture that values diversity enhances creativity, innovation, and critical thinking

• • Students benefit from exposure to a variety of viewpoints and experiences.

• • Collaboration among students and faculty members enriches the learning environment and prepares students for a globalized world.

• • Acknowledging, that collaboration leads to greater wisdom.

• • Encouraging collaboration as a way of collective problem-solving.

• • • A culture that fosters collaboration enables the pooling of expertise, leading to more effective solutions to complex challenges
    • Collaboration enhances communication across departments, administration, and among students.
    • Effective communication is vital for the smooth operation of the institution and the successful implementation of academic initiatives.

• • Fostering and inclusive environment

• • An inclusive culture promotes a sense of belonging and engagement among all members of the academic community.

• • Inclusive environments support faculty development and satisfaction.

• • Faculty members feel valued and supported, leading to higher morale and commitment to the institution

In conclusion, effective communication and collaboration within HEIs are foundational elements for creating inclusive, productive, and supportive environments. It includes different stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, students, and staff, working together to achieve common goals. The establishment of an appropriate collaborative and inclusive culture in HEIs is important for success. Key qualities, such as openness to listening, continuous learning, adaptability, effective communication skills, and crisis communication mechanisms, play crucial roles in creating a positive relationship between schools and teachers. These qualities contribute to a positive school culture, enhance the overall educational experience, and help at achieving educational goals.

Good practices of communication and cooperation, including regular meetings, collaborative projects, communication platforms, transparent communication, inclusive decision-making, and professional development opportunities, contribute to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere in HEIs. These practices enhance engagement, recognition, and conflict resolution, fostering a collaborative culture.

While the benefits of inclusive communication and collaboration are substantial, challenges may arise, such as resistance to change, communication overload, increased workload, unequal participation, digital divide, and privacy concerns. Strategies to overcome these challenges include providing adequate training, clarifying expectations, ensuring diversity and inclusion training, offering flexibility, and regularly assessing and adjusting communication strategies.

Targeted Audience

School management.

The teachers

Requirements

Key requirements for establishing good collaboration and communication between schools and teachers require Clear Communication Channels and Transparent Communication.

References

Books

• • Miranda Jefferson, Michael Anderson, Transforming Schools Creativity, Critical Reflection, Communication, Collaboration, Bloomsbury Academic, 2017, ISBN 9781474232616.

• • James H. Stronge, Qualities of effective teachers, 2018

• • Jongbloed, B., Kaiser, F., van Vught, F., & Westerheijden, D. F. (2018). Performance Agreements in Higher Education: A New Approach to Higher Education Funding. In European Higher Education Area: The Impact of Past and Future Policies. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77407-7_40