Chapter 11: Experiences of Assertive Communication in Formative and Professional Relationships in Higher Education

During the training of education professionals, it is expected to recognise that students have difficulties with assertive communication; this has led to questions about the elements of education that limit the acquisition of these skills. This research explores the experiences of assertive communication in constructive and professional relationships within higher education. It investigates the impact of assertive communication on the development of reflective professionals in an environment conducive to learning. The study explores the role of assertive communication and expression in the context of andragogy and higher education in a Public University in Mexico. A questionnaire was carried out in Google Forms to inquire about the formative experiences of students and the observation records of a teacher during her professional experience as a professional trainer, thereby delimiting both the concept of assertive communication and the aspects that limit and favour its use and acquisition. It is recognised with the analysis that the elemental for forming assertive communication skills is establishing solid links based on listening, empathy and agreements and relationships of good treatment as the basis for training accompaniment and personal transformation and professional of both the teaching figure and the student.