Progress and opportunities in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health communications

This article describes elements of effective health communication and highlights strategies that may best be adopted or adapted in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. Studies have documented the utility of multidimensional approaches to health communication from the macro level of interventions targeting entire populations to the micro level of communication between health care provider and consumer. Although evidence of health disparities in LGBT communities underscores the importance of population-specific interventions, health promotion campaigns rarely target these populations and health communication activities seldom account for the diversity of LGBT communities. Advances in health communication suggest promising direction for LGBT-specific risk prevention and health promotion strategies on community, group, and provider/consumer levels. Opportunities for future health communication efforts include involving LGBT communities in the development of appropriate health communication campaigns and materials, enhancing media literacy among LGBT individuals, supporting LGBT-focused research and evaluation of health communication activities, and ensuring that health care providers possess the knowledge, skills, and competency to communicate effectively with LGBT consumers

Communication Skills of a Child with Down Syndrome at the End of the First Grade of Elementary School

Each case of a child with Down syndrome is specific because it is directly related to the environment the child grows up in, develops, lives and learns. Although many conditions about Down syndrome tend to generalize the condition, particular characteristics are specific and depend on environment. In this respect, such issues must be approached as case studies. The goal of this research was to note, define and describe supporting strategies of language and communication skills development and learning outcomes of language and communication skills of a boy with Down syndrome at the end of the first grade of elementary school. Therefore, the role of prerequisites for developing boy’s language and communication skills was also subject of this research.The participant in the case study was a first-grader with Down syndrome who has been included in the regular educational school system and attends classes supported by a teaching assistant. In addition to monitoring the student in class and analyzing the paperwork, parents were interviewed in order to understand student’s language and communication skills development. The research results have shown that the student’s preparation for school and activities, which were conducted before the start of the school year, played an important role in stimulating child’s communication skills and later a successful inclusion into the educational process. The established partnership between the teacher, the teaching assistant and parents have resulted in creating an individualized education program and developing specific supporting strategies which sustained the boy’s communication and language skills. Supporting strategies include application of adequate forms of work and development of learning and teaching strategies, based mostly on kinesthetic and graphic presentations which have been proved to be the most acceptable for the boy. This case study is the first ever to test the stated presumptions. Final assessments made by the teachers and statements made by parents at the end of the first grade of elementary school indicate the efficiency of applying the listed supporting strategies. Keywords: Down syndrome, communication and language skills, supporting strategies, partnership with parents, learning outcomes

Supporting Early Childhood Students’ Communication Skills Within The Classroom

The research question addressed by this project is What teaching strategies are recommended for early childhood teachers to implement into their practice to support all students’ communication skill development? The purpose of this exploration is to identify effective strategies for early childhood classroom teachers to reference and utilize when supporting their student’s communication skills. This project reviews studies conducted by well-known researchers in the field of childhood development and references professionals within the field of Speech and Language Pathology in order to create a digital resource compiling receptive and expressive communication strategies to be used with early childhood students. The research focuses on language acquisition, receptive language and expressive language. To encourage early childhood teachers to support their students’ communication skills within the classroom, the capstone project is a compilation of the strategies gathered as a result of the research into the form of a website including pictures and videos describing how to effectively use each of the communication strategies

Integration of Technology in Math and Science Education – A Model for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Pre-Service Teachers

This paper describes the development and implementation of a course, Integration of Technology in Math and Science Education, to introduce elementary and middle school pre-service teachers to real technology skills that they can use in their future classrooms. Activities allowed the students to learn technology skills while using the Internet to enrich their content skills and share information with their fellow students. The course was designed to allow students to master a variety of technology skills, and see how these skills can be used appropriately in their future classrooms, while also increasing their comfort level to use the technology and reduce their resistance and anxiety to use it later in their real-time classrooms. During the class hands-on activities, the students became fluent at using the Internet for enrichment and communication, and at developing strategies for using their new skills to present SOL-relevant lesson plans. Students enter this course with very little in the way of educational technology skills, but leave with a teaching toolbox filled with new skills

Therapeutic strategy in the form of communication in the children with the autism spectrum disorders - narrative review

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a broad range of symptoms, particularly in the areas of communication and language, which pose a therapeutic challenge for both parents and therapists.   This article, based on a review of available studies on PubMed, presents therapeutic methods based on functional communication strategies and ways to implement them as a form of treatment for children with the autism spectrum disorders.   The major goals of ASD treatment are socialization and communication skills improvement and current treatments are not based on pharmacological therapies, but on behavioral therapies. Through appropriate speech development and practical communication strategies that are based on techniques like motivating the child to create eye contact with an adult, it is possible to realize the development of proper communication. These strategies are a form of therapy and allow for the improvement of the child's communication on multiple levels and shaping the social attitudes. Incorporating suitable therapeutic communication techniques enables the development and enhancement of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders. Children with ASD benefit from appropriate communication because it helps them communicate their needs, understand the social norms, and improve their quality of life

Parents’ experiences in using mobile tablets with their child with autism to encourage the development of social communication skills: the development of a parents’ guide

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how individuals interact with others and make sense of the world around them. The two core difficulties associated with autism are difficulties in social communication and interaction, and the manifestation of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. However, children with autism may also have many talents and special interests among which is their affinity with digital technologies. Despite the increasing use of mobile tablets in schools and homes, and the children’s motivation in using them, there is limited guidance on how to use the tablets to teach children with autism specific skills. This study aims to fill this gap in knowledge by providing guidelines about the ways in which iPads and other tablets can be used by parents/carers and their child at home to support the development of social communication skills. Semi-structured interviews with 10 parents of primary school aged children (4-11 years old) with autism were conducted with the aim to explore their experiences in using mobile devices, such as iPads and android tablets, and social activities with their children to create opportunities for social communication development. The interview involved questions about the parents’ knowledge and experience in autism, their understanding of social communication skills, the use of technology at home, and their links with the child’s school. Qualitative analysis of the interviews showed that parents used a variety of strategies to boost their child’s social communication skills. Among these strategies were: a) the use of communication symbols, b) the use of the child’s special interest as motivator to gain their attention, and c) allowing time to their child to respond. It was also found that parents engaged their child in joint activities such as cooking, role play and creating social stories together on the device. Seven out of ten parents mentioned that the tablet is a motivating tool that can be used to teach social communication skills, nonetheless all parents raised concerns over screen time and their child’s sharing difficulties. The need for training and advice as well as building stronger links with their child’s school was highlighted. In particular, it was mentioned that recommendations would be welcomed about how parents can address their child’s difficulties in initiating or sustaining a conversation, taking turns and sharing, understanding other people’s feelings and facial expressions, and showing interest to other people. This is the first study to date that resulted in the development of a parents’ guide informed by evidence-based practice and the participants’ experiences and concerns. The proposed guidelines aim to urge parents to feel more confident in using the tablet with their child in more collaborative ways. In particular, the guide offers recommendations about how to develop verbal and non-verbal communication, gives examples of tablet based activities to interact and create things together, as well as it offers suggestions on how to provide a worry free tablet experience and how to connect with the school

PUBH 9235 - Communication and Advocacy

This course will provide students with the ability to evaluate the history and current applications of health communication theory and strategies to public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on use of health communication theory and strategies designed to create change across the ecological spectrum, from individual to policy levels. Students will gain the skills to structure, develop, implement and evaluate social marketing, media advocacy, risk communication and advocacy efforts for policy change. In addition, ability to lead systematic qualitative and mixed method data collection processes involving interviewing skills, participant observation and focus group development will be developed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students analyze and utilize these skills in research and practice in diverse public health settings

PUBH 9235- Communication and Advocacy

This course will provide students with the ability to evaluate the history and current applications of health communication theory and strategies to public health practice and research. Emphasis is placed on use of health communication theory and strategies designed to create change across the ecological spectrum, from individual to policy levels. Students will gain the skills to structure, develop, implement and evaluate social marketing, media advocacy, risk communication and advocacy efforts for policy change. In addition, ability to lead systematic qualitative and mixed method data collection processes involving interviewing skills, participant observation and focus group development will be developed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students analyze and utilize these skills in research and practice in diverse public health settings

Принципи та стратегії формування дискурсивних вмінь як основа ефективної іншомовної ділової комунікації (Principles and strategies of formation of discursive skills as the basis for effective foreign business communication)

У статті розглядаються особливості формування дискурсивних вмінь як основи ефективної іншомовної ділової комунікації. Проаналізовані сучасні принципи та стратегії формування дискурсивних вмінь. Уточнюються фактори, які сприяють розвитку дискурсивних вмінь ділової комунікації іноземною мовою. Дискурсивні вміння розглядаються у контексті професійної діяльності. (The article deals with the special aspects of formation of discursive skills as a basis for effective foreign business communication. It considers modern principles and strategies of formation of discursive skills that make up the foundation of effective business communication. The definition of discursive skills of business communication is given. The factors that contribute greatly to the development of discursive skills of business communication are clarified. Discursive skills are discussed in the context of professional activity. Discursive skills are seen as practical skills required installing speech contact with other members of society.

ILR Impact Brief – Diversity and Inclusion: Is There Really a Difference?

By almost any measure, workforce heterogeneity is increasing. With more women, ethnic and racial. minorities, and people with different lifestyles and learning styles holding down jobs, employers are searching for strategies that effectively and efficiently put these varied skills and perspectives to maximal use. Traditional approaches to diversity management include targeted recruitment, career development, mentoring, and education and training. Some organizations, however, take a broader view and seek to eliminate barriers to full utilization of varied worker competencies. This latter approach stresses inclusion, rather than diversity, and typically involves initiatives that focus on employee participation, enhanced communication, and stronger community relations. Despite the apparent distinction between diversity and inclusion strategies, employers may use the words interchangeably