How to Communicate in Education?

The epidemic and the war in Ukraine have shown that the state has to fundamentally simplify internal communication within schools as well as between schools and their statutory authorities. Sharing information should be much faster, clearer and more effective in the future. This was the consensus of the participants in the panel discussion entitled How to Communicate in Education? during the Children Without Borders conference on 30 May 2022 at the 62nd Zlín Film Festival.

The need for a better relationship between the different subjects was first brought up by Covid-19, which forced schools to be closed and teaching and communication with parents to be conducted remotely. Also, in view of the current situation, where schools are integrating Ukrainian students into their classrooms, principals and providers need support. Clear communication is not only needed, however, during these crisis situations, but all involved parties have to have the opportunity to ask questions at any time: principals and teachers, but also parents or students.

The debate was opened and all participants were personally welcomed by the President of the Zlín Film Festival Čestmír Vančura. The entire discussion was moderated by Michala Hergetová.

“The middle point of support, which the Ministry of Education is piloting in two regions – Semily and Svitavy, should help to make communication more effective. The first results indicate that we are moving in the right direction,” said Michal Černý, Director of the Department of Basic Education and Youth, Ministry of Education. He said the middle point could be operational across the board in two or three years.

According to Hana Lavičková, principal and founder of the Jinotaj Elementary School, communication in the education system is lacking. The discussion with parents, in particular, is extremely emotional, as every parent wants the best for their child. “It is important to untie the hands of principals and teachers so that they can focus on the main thing – teaching. Teachers need to be supported so they do not have to spend so much time on administration. The middle link of support has worked perfectly, but it is not yet legitimized,” Hana Lavičková pointed out.

Andrea Studihradová from Team Communication & CSR of Česká spořitelna reminded us that large corporations have entire corporate departments for contact with their partners and employees. “This probably cannot be expected for small school founders, but it is crucial that communication between the various entities is open, clear and well set up. Then the education system will work well,” admitted Andrea Studihradová.

Pavlína Ondryášová, principal of the Koryčanské Paseky Elementary School, agrees. “Communication is too complicated and the school acts as a mediator, which is not always appropriate and maintainable,” Pavlína Ondryášová believes. The basis for good relations, she says, is clear communication and support from the provider.
A recording of the entire debate can be found at this link.

In this link, we also share with you a brochure with the program and all information related to the Conference Block of Children without Borders, the 62nd Zlín Film Festival.