Module 2: Communication
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ETAP 623 Fall 2023 | Nick Gentile Portfolio Page | Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment
Module 2 Overview
In module two (2) we will be focusing on the 21st century skill of Communication. There will be emphasis placed on the significance of how intentional academic discourse impacts the learning process and the learning environment. It should be understood that communication is a skill that students must engage with, whether that be a student-to-student interaction or a student-to-teacher interaction.
Your first task is to take notes on the videos within the Module 2 Mini Lecture tab as well as the articles within the Module 2 Required Readings tab.
You will be required to complete one (1) discussion for this module. The directions to complete this task can be found within the Module 2 Discussion Prompt tab. Please include references to the mini lectures and required readings as you see fit. Remember to relate to your own experiences and generate two (2) substantive peer responses.
Your next task will be to complete the Module 2 Assessment: Pen Pal Small Group Activity. You will see the importance of communication within the learning environment with a small group that will be assigned. More directions can be found within the Module 2 Assessment – Pen Pal Small Group Activity tab.
Finally, you will be required to complete a Module 2 Discussion Conclusion. This is an open-ended prompt that you will submit to your instructor explaining what you gained from the module or something that stood out to you.
If you have any questions regarding the current module, please reach out by email or ask a class question in Module 2 Ask a Question.


Module 2 Objectives
At the conclusion of this module, the learner:
- Will display the ability to categorize and compose strategies of facilitating effective communication between the learners within the learning environment. (Cognitive Learning Domain)
- Will initiate in a small group activity focuses on the skill of communication within the learning environment. Learners will compose a series of pen pal letter to one another, constructing knowledge revolving around communication skills. (Psychomotor Learning Domain)
- Will relate their prior experiences to the benefits and challenges that increased communication within the learning environment yields. (Affective Learning Domain)
Module 2 Required Readings
The following readings are aligned with the above Module 2 Objectives. Please take notes when reading the following articles:
- Çelik, Ö. C., & Alpan, G. (2023) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BX2Px4lFO3RrXYHSX8yteSrqtlT7cFWy/view?usp=sharing
- Harris, C. J., Phillips, R. S., & Penuel, W. R. (2012) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAbpuayILxP-I6n6rpupsAfMC7s7YtdL/view?usp=sharing
- Utami, L. F., Pramudya, I., & Slamet, I. (2021) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W36es1ezBMaw8S_o9-iVlON_57kpuH24/view?usp=sharing
Module 2 Mini Lecture
Please watch all videos attached for this module. These videos will replace the lecture segments of a traditional in-person course. When developing your discussion posts, small group activities, or independent assessments, I encourage you to incorporate concepts and methods covered throughout the videos.
- 1.10: What do we mean by Communication Skills?. (2019). Makematic. https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/EqWW53BqY
- 4Cs. [4.4], Communication : Funnel question technique. (2019). Makematic. https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/79VV5gG21
- 8 Simple Classroom Communication Strategies https://youtu.be/vHHjwEOnAso?feature=shared
Module 2 Discussion Prompt
Use the following prompt to guide your discussion post. You do not need to answer every question, they are here to ignite your thinking.
Do you believe that communication is an essential skill needed to foster an effective learning environment? How does communication affect the academic discourse within the classroom? What are some strategies that you have used to implement more communication within the classroom, whether that be student-to-student interactions or student-to-teacher interactions? How much do you value student voice?
I encourage you to include personal experiences when answering this prompt.
You will be required to create an initial post and two substantive peer responses. All posts should include APA Citations including required readings, mini-lectures, or additional references found outside of the required readings.
Use the Google Slides link below to craft your initial post. When responding to your peers, utilize the comment feature on their slide to leave your response.
Google Slide Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17pgV2Maa0Cni56dloRyQR7ANWc4T6sCeUgdFKIRqNIA/edit?usp=sharing
Module 2 Assessment - Pen Pal Small Group Activity
In the left column generate an idea that would increase communication within the learning environment. You will be responding to a peer's post in the right column expanding on their idea and how it could be implemented successfully to increase communication within the learning environment. You are more than welcome to insert more than two ideas in the left column as well as generate more than two responses to your peers' ideas, however you are REQUIRED to provide two ideas and two responses at the minimum. This assignment will be evaluated by completion and including the required number of posts.
Groups will be decided based on academic content area.
Group 1 - Mathematics & Science:
Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sQQFHIHp3c8oVIACdsRbtfgW0PXRXHJaRWHxzpmOKF0/edit?usp=sharing
Group 2 - Social Studies & English:
Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vYKqzUOYnie4o5dsUOyQeEiXROvHPtkFQpFjGp0PcdA/edit?usp=sharing
Group 3 - Electives & Others:
Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11-Gugd13FS2_T2IxlZ2HoqmzqVdA2Ijg6ujN8lJs1DM/edit?usp=sharing
Module 2 Discussion Conclusion
What did you take out of the discussions, small group activities, mini-lectures, and readings from this module?
Submit your answer to the Google Form Link below.
Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/bfxjJLs4tChC2mJh8
Module 2 Ask a Question
Use the Google Doc link below to ask any question related to the current module.
Please be as specific as possible so I can ensure that I accurately answer your question and clarify any confusion or misconceptions.
Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c8crYfw_X2svvq3rzjdFuwrNRb0tnbgtbvzx1RgP_Eo/edit?usp=sharing
Moving Forward
Click here to progress to Module 3: Collaboration.
Click here to return to the main course page: Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment.