In my thesis, I investigated verbal and nonverbal communication between preschool teachers and parents. In the theoretical part, I first defined communication, its types, and elements. I also addressed communication styles, open communication, effective and ineffective communication, barriers to communication, defense mechanisms in communication, and the most common communication mistakes. Furthermore, I provided a detailed presentation of verbal and nonverbal communication. Special emphasis was placed on communication between preschool teachers and parents, the family as the foundation of communication, etiquette, and conflict.
In the empirical part, I investigated how parents communicate with preschool teachers in everyday situations and vice versa. I analyzed communication culture (the use of formal and informal address, handshaking), the use of nonverbal communication (proxemics, gestures, and facial expressions), and communication styles. The research was conducted using two survey questionnaires. The first questionnaire, intended for preschool teachers, was completed by 42 participants. The second questionnaire, intended for parents of preschool children, was completed by 167 parents. Both questionnaires consisted of 10 closed-ended and 3 open-ended questions. The data were processed using Microsoft Excel, presented graphically, and interpreted with the support of contemporary domestic and international professional literature.
The results of the study show that communication between preschool teachers and parents is generally respectful. A respectful relationship is considered very important by both groups. Preschool teachers most frequently use formal forms of address when speaking to parents, while parents more often use a combination of formal and informal address. Fewer than half of the parents use only formal address when communicating with teachers. Most preschool teachers use an assertive communication style, while some also display a passive style. Similarly, the majority of parents use an assertive communication style; however, approximately one quarter exhibit a passive style, and a small number demonstrate manipulative tendencies. Neither preschool teachers nor parents were found to use aggressive or passive-aggressive communication styles. Nevertheless, most preschool teachers report experiencing inappropriate or aggressive communication from parents several times a year, with some encountering it more frequently. In such situations, preschool teachers most often respond calmly, professionally, and respectfully.
|