The words teachers use every day have a powerful impact on student learning, behavior, and classroom culture. While reading What We Say and How We Say It Matter, participants will learn how language influences student engagement, responsibility, motivation, and relationships. Through practical examples and strategies, educators will learn how small changes in communication can create more positive and productive learning environments.

This course is designed for educators who work with students in any capacity. Participants will explore how intentional language can strengthen relationships, encourage student ownership, and foster a classroom culture built on respect, collaboration, and engagement.

Discover practical strategies to help you:

1. Build positive relationships with students
2. Encourage responsibility and ownership of learning
3. Promote intrinsic motivation through effective communication
4. Create a respectful and engaging classroom environment
5. Respond to challenges with calm, consistent language

Students will actively participate in online learning to further develop their understanding of how communication affects student learning and behavior.

This course is appropriate for educators, specialists, administrators, and anyone who works with students and wants to create more positive, supportive, and effective learning environments.

Required Text:

• What We Say and How We Say It Matter: Teacher Talk That Improves Student Learning and Behavior by Mike Anderson 

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze how teacher language and tone influence student learning, behavior, motivation, and relationships
• Apply communication strategies that promote student responsibility, ownership of learning, and intrinsic motivation.
• Use respectful and intentional language to build positive classroom communities and strengthen teacher-student relationships.
• Reflect on and adjust personal communication habits to create a more engaging, supportive, and productive learning environment.