Theories of Congruent Communication by Haim Ginott

Anne Priyanka A/P Vincent

Definition of Congruent Communication

“Congruent” : In agreement or

harmony

“Communication”

:The successful conveying or

sharing of ideas and feelings

What is this theory about?

“ A style of speaking that does not attack others, but instead remains harmonious with feelings

being experienced.”

Teacher’s personal approach is the MOST influential element in creating the “climate” that contributes to children’s behaviour in the classroom.

The approaches/strategies

Address situations rather than character

Invites cooperation

Accepts and acknowledges feelings

Expresses anger appropriately

Uses brevity in correcting misbehaviour

Uses appreciation rather than evaluative praises

According to Ginott, key features of Congruent

Communication are:

Key features of Non-Congruent Communication

includes:

Label students and call them names

Ask rhetorical ‘Whys’ and give moralistic

lecture

Make caustic or sarcastic remarks to

students

Attack students’ character

Demand rather than invite cooperation

Denies students’ feelings

Use evaluative praise to manipulate

students

Strengths

Diffuse the anxiety among students.

Able to build cooperative

relationships between students and teachers.

Addresses the students’ actions rather than the

students’ character.

Allow students to express their feelings

and opinions.

Weaknesses

Students themselves need to know how to communicate their ideas and opinions.

Many students do not.

Does not work in violent situations.

Theory is not moulded into a model of its own.

Cultural considerations to be taken into account

The practicality of the theory in the local ESL classroom

Use clear communication.

Use sane messages. Avoid punishment. Use guidance not

criticism.

Do not yell or scream to convey

anger.

Use uncritical communication.

Avoid sarcasm and ridicule.

Use “I” messages instead of “you”

messages.

Provide appreciative praises, not

evaluative ones.

Avoid name-calling and labelling students.

Respect students’ privacy and avoid asking prying questions.

Conclusion

All classrooms function better when students and teachers relate and communicate well

with each other.

Interactive classrooms cannot function adequately unless class

members engage with each other respectfully and helpfully.

References

http://prezi.com/a76y2zflzghl/14-practical-applications-of-ginotts-congruent-communication-theory/

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Classroom_Management_Theorists_and_Theories/Haim_Ginott

https://www2.bc.edu/~peck/Ginott.pdf

http://www.drradloff.com/documents/the-significance-of-congruent-communication-in-effective-classroom-management.pdf

http://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/imprint_downloads/merrill_professional/images/charlesch8.pdf

http://teechconsult.com/documents/e-Learning%20Degree/TSL427-ClassMgt-W4.pdf