Internal Communication in
Schools
Fostering Collaboration and Engagement
Lesson outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1 2 3 4 5
Understand the Identify Analyse Common Develop Solutions Apply Effective
Importance of Communication Communication for Better Communication
Internal Channels Challenges Communication Skills
Communication • Recognize • Identify problems • Work in groups to • Practice giving
• Explain why different ways like information suggest ways to clear instructions
effective schools share overload and lack improve and messages
communication is information, such of feedback in communication in through
essential in a as meetings, school schools. interactive
school setting. emails, and communication. activities.
newsletters.
Warm up activity
Can You Draw What I Say?
What you will do:
1.Pair up – One person is the Describer, and the other is
the Drawer.
2.The Describer will explain an image without saying
object names.
3.The Drawer will try to draw the image based on the
description.
4.Compare the drawing to the original image.
Discussion:
• Was the drawing accurate? Why or why not?
• What made communication easier or harder?
• How does this relate to how we communicate in schools?
Good communication means giving clear
and structured messages!
Introduction to Internal Communication
• Definition of internal communication:
Internal communication refers to exchanging
information, ideas, and messages within an
organisation or institution.
• Importance for schools: Effective internal
communication is crucial for schools as it
facilitates teamwork, aligns staff with the
school's mission and goals, and enhances
overall organisational efficiency.
• Objectives: The primary goals of internal
communication in schools include enhancing
collaboration among staff members, sharing
important information efficiently, and
cultivating a positive school culture based on
transparency and mutual respect.
Channels of Communication
• In-person meetings: Staff meetings,
departmental meetings, and one-on-one
discussions.
• Email communication is for official
announcements, updates, and document
sharing.
• Staff newsletters: Regular newsletters to
communicate news, events, and essential
information.
• Intranet or digital platforms: Online platforms
for sharing resources and policies and
facilitating discussions.
• Notice boards: Physical boards for posting
announcements, event schedules, and other
notices. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
• Social media groups: Private groups for
informal communication and sharing of ideas
among staff members.
Benefits of Effective
Internal
Communication
• Improved staff morale: Clear and
consistent communication fosters a
positive work environment and
boosts morale.
• Increased collaboration and
teamwork: Effective
communication encourages
collaboration among staff members,
leading to better outcomes.
• A clearer understanding of school
goals: Communication helps align
staff with the school's mission,
vision, and objectives.
• Enhanced productivity and
efficiency: Streamlined
communication processes increase
the school's productivity and
operational efficiency.
Challenges in Internal Communication
• Information overload: More information
can be needed to be manageable for staff
members and help effective
communication.
• Communication gaps between
departments: Lack of communication can
lead to misunderstandings and
inefficiencies.
• Lack of feedback mechanisms: The
absence of feedback loops can prevent
timely improvements and adjustments in
communication strategies.
• Technology barriers: Issues with
technology or inadequate digital tools can
impede effective communication in a digital This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
age.
Strategies for Effective Internal Communication
• Regular staff meetings: Scheduled
meetings to discuss updates, issues, and
strategies.
• Use of communication tools: Utilize
platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or
school-specific apps for seamless
communication.
• Clear and concise messages:
Communicate information clearly and
avoid ambiguity.
• Two-way communication channels:
Encourage feedback, suggestions, and
open dialogue among staff members.
• Encouraging feedback and This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
suggestions: Actively seek input from
staff members and implement feedback-
driven improvements in communication
practices.
Employee Engagement and Recognition
• Importance of recognition in internal
communication: Recognizing and
appreciating staff contributions fosters a
positive culture and improves employee
engagement.
• Employee appreciation programs:
Implement programs to acknowledge and
reward staff members for their efforts and
achievements.
• Celebrating achievements and
milestones: Recognize individual and
team accomplishments, milestones, and
successes to boost morale and
motivation.
Future Trends in Internal Communication
• Artificial Intelligence in communication:
Explore AI-powered communication tools for
automation, personalisation, and data-driven
insights.
• Mobile-friendly platforms: Emphasize the
importance of mobile accessibility for
communication tools and platforms.
• Data analytics for insights: Utilize data
analytics to gather insights into
communication effectiveness, engagement
levels, and areas for improvement.
• Virtual reality for training and meetings:
Explore the potential of virtual reality for future
immersive training programs and virtual
meetings.
Example of Email Communication
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS: DOCUMENT SHARING: EMAILS
EMAILS SENT TO ALL STAFF REGULAR EMAILS TO REMIND ARE USED TO SHARE
MEMBERS TO COMMUNICATE STAFF ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS, DOCUMENTS, RESOURCES, AND
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS, MEETINGS, AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES WITH STAFF
POLICY CHANGES, AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. MEMBERS FOR REFERENCE AND
UPCOMING DEADLINES. COLLABORATION.
Example of Staff Newsletters
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS: STAFF SPOTLIGHT: FEATURE ARTICLES RESOURCES AND TIPS: INCLUDE
NEWSLETTERS ARE SENT TO ALL STAFF SHOWCASING STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS, RESOURCES, TIPS, AND BEST
MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTING RECENT RECOGNITION, AND CONTRIBUTIONS PRACTICES RELATED TO TEACHING,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS, UPCOMING TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT, AND
EVENTS, AND IMPORTANT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN
ANNOUNCEMENTS. NEWSLETTERS.
Example of Digital Platforms
1 2 3
Intranet portal: Online Collaboration tools: Use Discussion forums:
platform accessible to all platforms like Microsoft Create online forums or
staff members for sharing Teams or Google groups for staff members
resources, policies, forms, Workspace for document to share ideas, ask
and important school collaboration, virtual questions, and
information. meetings, and team collaborate on projects.
communication.
Example of Notice Boards
PHYSICAL NOTICE BOARDS: VISUAL AIDS: USE VISUAL AIDS INTERACTIVE BOARDS:
POST ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENT SUCH AS POSTERS, IMPLEMENT DIGITAL NOTICE
CALENDARS, SCHOOL POLICIES, INFOGRAPHICS, AND CHARTS TO BOARDS TO DISPLAY DYNAMIC
AND ESSENTIAL UPDATES IN STAFF CONVEY INFORMATION CONTENT, NEWS FEEDS, AND
ROOMS, COMMON AREAS, AND EFFECTIVELY AND ENGAGE STAFF INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS FOR
BULLETIN BOARDS. MEMBERS. STAFF ENGAGEMENT.
Example of Social Media Groups
PRIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS:
CREATE PRIVATE GROUPS ON DISCUSSIONS: USE SOCIAL MEDIA SHARE STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS,
PLATFORMS LIKE FACEBOOK OR GROUPS TO FACILITATE DISCUSSIONS MILESTONES, AND SUCCESS STORIES
LINKEDIN FOR STAFF MEMBERS TO ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS TO
CONNECT, SHARE RESOURCES, AND TOPICS, TEACHING STRATEGIES, AND FOSTER A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND
ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS. EDUCATIONAL TRENDS. RECOGNITION
Group work session (15 min)
What you will do:
1.Work in small groups. Each group gets a communication
problem (unclear messages, too much information, not enough
feedback).
2.Think of solutions – How can we fix this problem in a school?
3.Write down your ideas.
4.Present your ideas to the class.
Discussion
• Discussion:
• Which ideas would work best in real schools?
• How can we communicate better with teachers and
classmates?
Good communication helps everyone work better
together!
QUESTIONS?
Thank you!
