Elements of Teacher Communication Competence: An Examination of Skills and Knowledge to Communicate

Abstract

In Croatia, a radical change appeared in education in 1995. The Ministry of Education and Science of Croatia approved and funded the research project entitled "Information and communication competences of educators" that consisted of two parts: theoretical, study of the available literature on the communication competence of teachers in the world, especially in Europe and conduction of research of teachers’ communication skills in Croatia. The study was conducted with the aim of assessing the situation and defining the problems which need to be changed within the education system as to educate the future teachers to be competent for the new challenges associated with the school work.  The aim of the research was to get an insight into different aspects of communication competence among primary education teachers. Main conclusions were that teachers do not perceive or connect burnout at work with communication in classroom (they are not aware of their lack of communication knowledge and adequate communication skills). They do not have sufficiently developed skills to manage conflicts and negotiation skills. Communication in the classroom is interpersonal communication with particular students. They do not possess leadership and group communication skills.