Hi All,
I wanted to personally thank all of you for your wonderful posts and stories during this 8 week class. I realize that by reading about your experiences, I learn more and more everyday through each one of you. Our class on communication has also reminded me that collaboration with each other is a very important task in our professional field. We have to remember to stay open-minded in regards to different approaches on curriculum, classroom environment and children's behavior. I appreciate the depth of your sharing during this class, especially those who relay classroom experiences. It makes those of us who are not in the classroom feel like we are there with you!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Adjouring
Adjouring
Usually, when I think about how a group project or paper came to an end, they last thing I think of is a "sad time." I am so relieved and excited to be done that I don't think of missing my group members. Most of my group projects have awarded me with friends that would move on with me into other classes or at the very least a learning experience or two.
I remember that for some projects the instructor would ask for our feedback about how our group members did during the process. Sometimes we would even get the evaluations back from the other group members and be able to see our strengths and weaknesses. Again, it was all about learning from each other. Therefore, I would have to agree that in this case, adjourning in this fashion was an essential stage of the teamwork.
Honestly, I'm not sure what it will be like to finish up here at Walden. I wish that I could say that I have gotten close to all my colleagues, but the truth is that with online classes, it is harder to have that classroom environment that fosters camaraderie. Although, I will miss the stories and great personal experiences that others share in their postings and blogs. I know that I have already learned a lot from each of you and I appreciate your honesty in sharing.
Usually, when I think about how a group project or paper came to an end, they last thing I think of is a "sad time." I am so relieved and excited to be done that I don't think of missing my group members. Most of my group projects have awarded me with friends that would move on with me into other classes or at the very least a learning experience or two.
I remember that for some projects the instructor would ask for our feedback about how our group members did during the process. Sometimes we would even get the evaluations back from the other group members and be able to see our strengths and weaknesses. Again, it was all about learning from each other. Therefore, I would have to agree that in this case, adjourning in this fashion was an essential stage of the teamwork.
Honestly, I'm not sure what it will be like to finish up here at Walden. I wish that I could say that I have gotten close to all my colleagues, but the truth is that with online classes, it is harder to have that classroom environment that fosters camaraderie. Although, I will miss the stories and great personal experiences that others share in their postings and blogs. I know that I have already learned a lot from each of you and I appreciate your honesty in sharing.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution
Currently, I am a stay at home mom. So my conflicts are mostly between my twin boys and I or between David and Andrew themselves.
I have to admit that sometimes when it is a conflict between me and one of the boys, I tend to use challenging strategies. I fully know that this type of strategy is used to benefit my needs, but sometimes as a parent that is my only option. For example, if I am in the grocery store and one of them is having a melt down because they have sat in the cart, strapped in, for too long, I have to diffuse the situation so that I can finish my shopping. Some people might say that I should just up and leave the basket and exit the store! However, I look at it from the direction of....it was a challenge to get here in the first place and I am not giving up until I am done!! Therefore, I usually talk to them or reprimand their behavior if it needs it, but I always finish my shopping!
Most of the time, when it comes to conflict between the boys, I try to take a cooperative strategy approach. If I am aware of who took who's car and who was playing with said care first, I usually try to diffuse the situation by giving back the car to its' rightful owner and then discuss with the "stealer" how it is not okay to take other people's things. But I do try to make it a win-win outcome by giving the "stealer" a different car that is not being used by anyone. Compromise is tough but I do use it as an outcome when I do not know exactly what they are having the conflict over. Sometimes I come into the room too late and just see them tussling on the floor! I guess this is what boys do! However, I want them to understand that putting your hands on someone else does not solve the problem and that it is better to use your words. Again, tough for a 2 year old because they are just getting to the talking stage. Yet, I want them to learn that physical force is never the answer to a problem. In this situation, the nonviolent communication is the best tool because it promotes discussion of feelings in regards to the situation and then allows not only compromise but compassion for how the other person feels.
Currently, I am a stay at home mom. So my conflicts are mostly between my twin boys and I or between David and Andrew themselves.
I have to admit that sometimes when it is a conflict between me and one of the boys, I tend to use challenging strategies. I fully know that this type of strategy is used to benefit my needs, but sometimes as a parent that is my only option. For example, if I am in the grocery store and one of them is having a melt down because they have sat in the cart, strapped in, for too long, I have to diffuse the situation so that I can finish my shopping. Some people might say that I should just up and leave the basket and exit the store! However, I look at it from the direction of....it was a challenge to get here in the first place and I am not giving up until I am done!! Therefore, I usually talk to them or reprimand their behavior if it needs it, but I always finish my shopping!
Most of the time, when it comes to conflict between the boys, I try to take a cooperative strategy approach. If I am aware of who took who's car and who was playing with said care first, I usually try to diffuse the situation by giving back the car to its' rightful owner and then discuss with the "stealer" how it is not okay to take other people's things. But I do try to make it a win-win outcome by giving the "stealer" a different car that is not being used by anyone. Compromise is tough but I do use it as an outcome when I do not know exactly what they are having the conflict over. Sometimes I come into the room too late and just see them tussling on the floor! I guess this is what boys do! However, I want them to understand that putting your hands on someone else does not solve the problem and that it is better to use your words. Again, tough for a 2 year old because they are just getting to the talking stage. Yet, I want them to learn that physical force is never the answer to a problem. In this situation, the nonviolent communication is the best tool because it promotes discussion of feelings in regards to the situation and then allows not only compromise but compassion for how the other person feels.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Who Am I as a Communicator?
Who Am I as a Communicator?
I think the one thing that surprised me the most about the evaluations this week is that I see myself "elevate" communication anxiety and my other evaluators do not. Throughout my life, when I describe myself as "shy" most people tell me that they do not see me this way. However, deep down I know that I deplore public speaking, meeting and talking to new people, and eye contact when talking to someone. I am fully aware that all of these difficulties derive from a lack of social skills, in a certain sense, that are a direct result of my childhood.
Furthermore, another aspect that I learned this week about communication is that although I am a people-oriented listener, my evaluator also gathered a score that put me in the verbally aggressive section as well. Although I scored on a moderate level, my evaluator scored me in the significant level. In all honesty, I can concur with this finding in regards to my relationship with the evaluator. Which then led me to understand that I communicate differently with different people in my life.
So, I pose the questions: Does anyone else find this to be true? Do you communicate the same with every person in your life?
I think the one thing that surprised me the most about the evaluations this week is that I see myself "elevate" communication anxiety and my other evaluators do not. Throughout my life, when I describe myself as "shy" most people tell me that they do not see me this way. However, deep down I know that I deplore public speaking, meeting and talking to new people, and eye contact when talking to someone. I am fully aware that all of these difficulties derive from a lack of social skills, in a certain sense, that are a direct result of my childhood.
Furthermore, another aspect that I learned this week about communication is that although I am a people-oriented listener, my evaluator also gathered a score that put me in the verbally aggressive section as well. Although I scored on a moderate level, my evaluator scored me in the significant level. In all honesty, I can concur with this finding in regards to my relationship with the evaluator. Which then led me to understand that I communicate differently with different people in my life.
So, I pose the questions: Does anyone else find this to be true? Do you communicate the same with every person in your life?
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Cultural Communication - Week 3
Cultural Communication
Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I communicate with everyone, all groups and cultures, that same at first. Oddly enough, I realized that when I speak to someone of a different culture, that is not the first thing that comes to mind. Good or bad? I don't know. However, I think as I linger in the conversation with the person or a group of people, I then start to realize that there are cultural differences between us and I try to be respectful of those differences.
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.
1. The concept of cultural myopia, or a form of nearsightedness grounded in the belief that one's own culture is appropriate and relevant in all situations and to all people (O'Hair & Weimann, 2012) was a very large barrier in my life at one time. However, now that I have had experience with other cultures and have learned to be open to the differences that we may share, I can say that I no longer have trouble with cultural myopia. Therefore, my first strategy is to always remember to be open to other cultures and to practice active listening when participating in a conversation with someone from another culture.
2. Another strategy is to withhold judgement long enough to gain a deeper understanding than first impressions allow (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010). In other words, it is better to practice informational listening and empathic listening when talking with someone from another culture because it will allow you a better understanding of the person's intent and feelings. If a person is quick to judge someone from another culture, it can lead to generalizations and stereotypes.
3. Another strategy comes in the form of understanding that just because you do know about a person's culture, that does not mean that you can predict their behavior (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010). Again, generalizing other can lead to stereotypes that can then be based on to students and other parents or colleagues that we come in contact with each day.
References
Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I communicate with everyone, all groups and cultures, that same at first. Oddly enough, I realized that when I speak to someone of a different culture, that is not the first thing that comes to mind. Good or bad? I don't know. However, I think as I linger in the conversation with the person or a group of people, I then start to realize that there are cultural differences between us and I try to be respectful of those differences.
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.
1. The concept of cultural myopia, or a form of nearsightedness grounded in the belief that one's own culture is appropriate and relevant in all situations and to all people (O'Hair & Weimann, 2012) was a very large barrier in my life at one time. However, now that I have had experience with other cultures and have learned to be open to the differences that we may share, I can say that I no longer have trouble with cultural myopia. Therefore, my first strategy is to always remember to be open to other cultures and to practice active listening when participating in a conversation with someone from another culture.
2. Another strategy is to withhold judgement long enough to gain a deeper understanding than first impressions allow (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010). In other words, it is better to practice informational listening and empathic listening when talking with someone from another culture because it will allow you a better understanding of the person's intent and feelings. If a person is quick to judge someone from another culture, it can lead to generalizations and stereotypes.
3. Another strategy comes in the form of understanding that just because you do know about a person's culture, that does not mean that you can predict their behavior (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010). Again, generalizing other can lead to stereotypes that can then be based on to students and other parents or colleagues that we come in contact with each day.
References
Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Communication and TV- Week 2
Communication and TV
I used an TV show that is controversial for the assignment, on purpose. "Real Time" with Bill Maher is a great example of communication.
With the sound off, I see facial expressions and hand gestures that all seem exaggerated. However, when I turn the sound on, I can see just by the nature of the issues that are being discussed that these types of communication are warranted.
When Bill Maher does his show on HBO, of course he can swear and say things that could not be said on regular TV. Yet, when you take a Democrat like Bill Maher and put him with a GOP or Republican, it seems that only certain types of communication is inherent. Obviously, more times than not there is arguing going on and interruptions by both parties during the conversation. The topic or issue is usually one that sets both sides up against each other. Therefore, conflict is inevitable.
Slang is used, as well as many euphemisms. But more importantly, even when the sound is off, there is a tension that you can see on both sides of the issue. The proximity of the guests on show is quite interesting as well. Usually, Bill Maher sits on one end of the table and the guests sit next to him in the order of political views, with the most clearly different point of view as far a way from him as possible. Furthermore, I think that Bill Maher's listening skills are tainted by his political agenda. He is clearly a passive listener and does not practice active listening at all during his conversations. I think he displays overconfidence is when what he knows when it comes to the issue at hand, which then does not allow him to openly listen to the speaker. He has selective listening and displays defensive listening when he responds with aggression and beings by arguing with the speaker.
My "aha" moment came when I realized that when discussing difficult topics, such as politics, you need to have an open mind. It is important to stay focused and listen fully to the speaker, whether you agree with their statements or not. It can be hard to put aside your view points on certain issues, but it is important when trying to collaborate with colleagues.
I used an TV show that is controversial for the assignment, on purpose. "Real Time" with Bill Maher is a great example of communication.
With the sound off, I see facial expressions and hand gestures that all seem exaggerated. However, when I turn the sound on, I can see just by the nature of the issues that are being discussed that these types of communication are warranted.
When Bill Maher does his show on HBO, of course he can swear and say things that could not be said on regular TV. Yet, when you take a Democrat like Bill Maher and put him with a GOP or Republican, it seems that only certain types of communication is inherent. Obviously, more times than not there is arguing going on and interruptions by both parties during the conversation. The topic or issue is usually one that sets both sides up against each other. Therefore, conflict is inevitable.
Slang is used, as well as many euphemisms. But more importantly, even when the sound is off, there is a tension that you can see on both sides of the issue. The proximity of the guests on show is quite interesting as well. Usually, Bill Maher sits on one end of the table and the guests sit next to him in the order of political views, with the most clearly different point of view as far a way from him as possible. Furthermore, I think that Bill Maher's listening skills are tainted by his political agenda. He is clearly a passive listener and does not practice active listening at all during his conversations. I think he displays overconfidence is when what he knows when it comes to the issue at hand, which then does not allow him to openly listen to the speaker. He has selective listening and displays defensive listening when he responds with aggression and beings by arguing with the speaker.
My "aha" moment came when I realized that when discussing difficult topics, such as politics, you need to have an open mind. It is important to stay focused and listen fully to the speaker, whether you agree with their statements or not. It can be hard to put aside your view points on certain issues, but it is important when trying to collaborate with colleagues.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Competent Communicator
Competent Communicator
After some thinking, I realized that one of my professors at Fresno State is the perfect example of a competent communicator. She was awesome communicator in all situations, but excelled in one on one conversations. She maintains eye contact, nods her head when she understands a point that you are trying to make, and only responds when she is sure you are done talking. Her feedback is usually on target with your questions and she keeps the answers focused in a positive direction. She never interrupts the speaker and never looses eye contact with the person.
This professor modeled some great communication tactics that I do in fact use when in conversation with others. I have learned to keep eye contact, wait to speak until the other person is done speaking and use good feedback when answering questions within the context of the conversation.
After some thinking, I realized that one of my professors at Fresno State is the perfect example of a competent communicator. She was awesome communicator in all situations, but excelled in one on one conversations. She maintains eye contact, nods her head when she understands a point that you are trying to make, and only responds when she is sure you are done talking. Her feedback is usually on target with your questions and she keeps the answers focused in a positive direction. She never interrupts the speaker and never looses eye contact with the person.
This professor modeled some great communication tactics that I do in fact use when in conversation with others. I have learned to keep eye contact, wait to speak until the other person is done speaking and use good feedback when answering questions within the context of the conversation.
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