Communication plays a vital and effective role in academic life. With the help of communication, the exchange of information occurs between the teachers and the learners. Every industry, whether manufacturing, services, or education, builds upon communication models to facilitate the communication process. These communication models aim to speed up the flow of communication between its users. So the question is, what major communication models a student can use in academic life? This article will explore the answer by describing major communication models and then identifying which model is the most effective in the education sector.
What are the major models of communication?
The major communication models are as follows;
1. Linear
In this model, communication travels between senders and receivers in one direction only. The sender encodes a message using either verbal or nonverbal communication channels. The encoded message by the sender is sent to the receiver, which in turn decodes the message. The sender influences the receiver by sending the message. The sender asks the receiver to respond and act as instructed by the message. This model represents the sender as an active person involved in encoding the message. On the other hand, the receiver is the passive one who is involved in interpreting the message. Within this major communication model, noise interferes while encoding the message.
The inference of the noise brings minor or major changes in the final message sent to the receiver. This linear communication model is subject to criticism by scholars. They argue that this communication moves in one direction only. It means that a sender of the message cannot be a receiver of the message and vice versa. The model presents that the message should be crystal clear from both ends. Yet, this model neglects to include the context and personal experiences in the communication process. Moreover, the model presents one message for one channel. Yet, the model refrains from identifying more than one message that can take place over a channel. Hence, the linear communication model entails some criticisms as well as limitations.
2. Interactive
In this major communication model, feedback flows with the message from the receiver to the sender. The receiver provides feedback about the message to the sender. It can either be verbal (saying no or yes) or non-verbal (expressing with the help of body language). The flow of feedback from the receiver to the sender indicates how the receiver comprehends the message. The feedback engages the receiver as well as ensures the continuity of the communication in an interactive way. With the help of the communication process, this interaction brings a unique experience.
This major communication model is more dynamic in nature than the linear communication model. Yet this communication model is subject to certain limitations. One limitation entails that the sender and receiver cannot communicate simultaneously. The reason is that their roles are fluid and ambiguous in live communication. Hence, the interactive communication model is subject to limitations that hinder it from becoming the best out of the linear model.
3. Transactional
The most dynamic major communication model is a transactional model. It refers to such communication in which both sender and receiver can send and receive messages. It is, in fact, a cooperative activity that communicates outcome and interactivity (the process of two people or things working together). The sender and receiver are synonymous with communicators in this model. The people involved in this communication model create shared meaning with a purpose and a goal. This model involves interdependent messages with overlapping in the fields of experience. The common forms of transactional communication are face-to-face, telephonic, or Skype communication. The other forms of this communication model are chat sessions, training sessions, or meetings.
Which model of communication is best applied in our education system?
The education sector applies the linear, interactive and transactional communication model in delivering learning. But a transactional model of communication is best-fit in the education system as it builds upon interpersonal communication. This model of communication allows teachers and students to interchange their roles. It means that the sender, at any time of an hour, becomes the receiver and vice versa. The sender or receiver can either be a teacher or a student. Though this communication model involves noise as well, it does not influence the feedback from any of the communicators.
Experts of a dissertation writing service have taken an overview of the usage of major communication models. According to them, usages in the education sector are as follows;
Ensure the smooth flow of communication.
Students write enormous research papers, essays and assignments during academic life. They should be crystal clear in their writing to get good grades. With the help of transactional communication models, students can better identify the accuracy of the information and ideas in their academic papers through feedback.
Prepares the students to present their ideas in a creative and clear manner.
They prepare them to incorporate their ideas while maintaining the flow of the academic paper.
It helps them in doing effective research.
The education sector encourages and promotes research. The transactional communication model not only enhances the analytical, interpersonal and problem-solving but also the research skills of students as well.
It enhances the understanding of the student.
Students fail as they hesitate to communicate with their teachers on their queries. With a transactional communication model, students are better able to develop a good communication bond with their teachers. This bond will not only help in clarifying their queries but enhance their understanding as well.
What is the most useful communication model?
The transactional model of communication enhances the interaction between communicators. The reason is that it keeps the communication ongoing without stopping it. It improves the interpersonal communication skills of its users. It provides information about a phenomenon in an understandable and explore-able way. Moreover, it allows clearing the concepts, thoughts or ideas about a problem. Hence, the transactional communication model is the most useful communication model in our lives.
Final Thoughts
In the education system, communication models boost and improve the communication skills of teachers and students. If these major communication models are used to incorporate the flaws of an education system, we can have knowledgeable and problem-solving leaders in the future.
