THE ROLE OF RHETORIC IN TEACHER VIRTUAL EXCHANGES: NAVIGATING DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IN EDUCATIONAL CONTEXTS

Abstract

Educators’ rhetorical skills are pivotal in virtual collaboration between teachers and parents, enhancing communication clarity and overcoming cultural barriers, thereby enriching educational experience and fostering intercultural understanding. A review of scientific databases such as Academic Search Complete, ERIC, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles from 2018 onwards that explore the role of rhetoric in teacher virtual exchanges. Articles were analysed for themes, findings, biases, and research gaps. A notable finding is the lack of research on rhetoric in virtual teacher exchanges, despite its potential to overcome cultural barriers and enhance collaboration. The study reveals that effective rhetorical techniques can improve clarity, persuasiveness, and intercultural understanding in virtual exchanges, indicating a need for more research and educational programs in this area. Furthermore, the study extends to virtual communication between teachers and parents, especially with non-native speakers or those with limited proficiency in the official language. This highlights the need for teachers to use sophisticated rhetorical strategies in diverse linguistic situations to improve understanding and involvement. In summary, the research underscores the significant impact of rhetorical skills in virtual teacher exchanges, with broader implications for global collaboration and intercultural understanding in the educational sphere. Keywords: educational technology, intercultural communication, parent-teacher collaboration, rhetorical strategies, virtual exchange.