Abstract:

The survey has been realised within KEGA Project 031-035 STU-4/2010: "Models of project-based learning at secondary vocational schools". The aim of the survey is to deepen the knowledge about communication and communication competencies within project-based learning at secondary vocational schools in Slovakia. The survey was focused on students’ and teachers’ opinions and attitudes towards communication which they use in educational processes within project-based learning. As for teachers, we tried to find out what communication methods and means they use when solving problems regarding educational processes in a relation between teacher-pupil, pupil-teacher and teacher-parent. As for pupils, we tried to find out what communication means they use when solving problems regarding teaching and learning in a relation between teacher-pupil and pupil-pupil. We assumed that there are problems in verbal and non-verbal communication and that pupils prefer electronic communication rather than verbal communication. The following methods were used during the survey:
• content analysis method – the analysis of documents regarding communication competencies and communication in education
• questionnaire method – teachers’ and pupils'’ opinions and attitudes towards communication methods and means used in educational processes
• statistics – statistical interpretation of results, analysis and interpretation of results as a quantitative analysis (percentage, average values) and qualitative analysis (analysis, synthesis, generalisation)
120 pupils and 10 teachers of secondary vocational school in Nové Mesto nad Váhom (Slovakia) participated in the survey. As a result, we suggested exercises of verbal communication skills, exercises of self-control within non-verbal expressions and exercises of practising communication within activities.

Keywords:

Verbal and non-verbal communication, electronic communication, project-based learning.