Being an Education Assistant (EA) means helping students with developmental disabilities communicate. In my class, we are learning to use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), which consists of devices that aid or replace regular forms of communication. Many of the students we will work with are unable to communicate on their own due to their disability. For me, communication is second nature. I don’t have to think about what I have to say or do to get my point across. The students we will aid, however, really need to make an effort to be understood and to understand others.
Lost in translation
When communicating there is always the opportunity for error. For me, misunderstandings happen because of my tone of voice. My husband likes to bug me and say that when it comes to talking, I am “tone deaf”. When I am rushed or stressed and need to ask a question, I often come across as snappy and rude, though I don’t mean to.
Timing of communication is also important. For example, if my husband comes home from work and has had a bad day, I have learned that it is probably not a great time to chat about the week, the weekend, and all of our plans. In the past when I have pushed a subject that he was not in the mood to talk about, it has almost always ended in a fight. As a result of the Interpersonal Communication course at Stenberg, I now know when to push and when to step back and wait for a time when he will be more receptive.
Helpful in all ways
This course has not only taught me about AAC and the devices, but it will come in handy at work and home. Communication is essential in the work place. For example, when implementing a new strategy with the child you are working with, everyone needs to be on the same page for the strategy to be successful. Communication is also important with co-workers in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or miscommunications. Finally, communication between teachers is essential, for when you are away and a substitute teacher is needed, that substitute needs to be able to figure out what you are working on and what strategies you are using to accomplish your goals.
As an EA, team work and communication with co-workers are so important, so it is crucial to know how to effectively communicate. I now know better ways to listen, be clear with my messages, and operate as a team.
Check out a video of our Education Assistant Diploma Program.
