Be able to overcome barriers to communication.
Table of Contents
Case Study
Your setting is working with a refugee family who have recently moved to your area. Their understanding of English is limited and, therefore, communication is challenging. One morning when you go to visit the family the mother looks very angry. She tells you (in broken English) that she is fed up with one of the practitioners who visits her each week. She speaks very loudly when talking to her and just points at things. It makes her feel stupid and humiliated.
- How has the mother interpreted your colleague’s way of communicating with her?
- Think of other ways to communicate with the mother that would be more appropriate.
- How could you respond to the mother’s concerns to make the situation better?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.