Team Building and Collaboration, Part 1

            In response to any groups in which I have been involved in, saying good-bye is always tough for me. The good-bye process is so tough because the relationship building that takes place along with the collaboration between group members makes it hard to not be a part of the positive relationship building. The reason this can be so is because the group that is high-performing is the group that can be the most effective in collaboration, communication, and group efforts. In the Norming stage the "The team members have gotten to know each other, trust each other and rely on each other" (Abudi, G. 2010).These kinds of groups are usually well established and interdependent. In my case, I was involved in a group project in college many times in speech class. We were always a good team. We assigned roles, we worked hard, we were rarely in disagreement, and we always were asked upon to present our work to the class. As the class ended eventually, it was hard to say good-bye. But I took initiative to get phone numbers from group members to keep in touch. It really helped to gather phone numbers not just to keep in touch, but to meet up with friends in the future and to continue friendships. For the purpose of this class, and my Master's Degree program, there are many means that I can utilize to keep in touch with my colleagues. I would totally take advantage of the adjourning stage of team works because it is essential in offering encouragement to the group, and to wish them well on their future accomplishments. "This also provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor" (Abudi, G. 2010).

References

 Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

As a result of my last major conflict I had recently with a landlord, I think that without taking this class, I used some helpful strategies to turn conflict into a more productive solution because I moved out of the place that was bringing me so much stress. And all I did was not talk to my landlord and it completely avoided any type of argument or confrontation. Now that I have taken this course I can see that I have gained a lot more skills in dealing with communication, listening, and conflict management. Two strategies that I would love to share consist of a compromise such as asking the landlord to give me time to move because I have children, which I did and she agreed. Compromise helps because it allows both sides to discuss their sides of the story and to meet somewhere in the middle. Also, another strategy is to allow the angry person to talk without interrupting them. It really surprises them when they see that you are not arguing back and they eventually stop. One key to becoming an effective listener is to "go into active listening mode and stay there till they've calmed down" (http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3). I would really love to hear opinions and suggestions from my colleagues as to how I can produce more effective skills at communication and conflict management. Also, I would love to learn about any strategies that other's have used if in similar situation as mine.




 References Conflict Resolution Network. http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3

Week 4

Blog Assignment_Week 4 As I reflect on the similarities in my friends' responses according to my communication styles, I definitely learned that we do have similar evaluations. I know that our friends get to know our character and make judgments according to how we portray ourselves to them and in society. Some differences about my friends evaluations created a much lengthy discussion about ways in which we can change our character to be more anti-bias or become lifelong learners not just in the field of early childhood, but for our own character and communication. One thing that surprised me the most was when my friends took the tests about me, they couldn't believe how much they knew about me. Also, I noticed that with each question, we created scenarios and communicated about incidents that related to each question. I think this exercise was a great learning experience to become a better communicator and listener because we could look at our score and make changes accordingly. I think these insights can help us to become better professionals because they create opportunities to think about what we say in public, how we generate our though process and how we judge a person's character.

Effective Communication Strategies

Effective Communication Strategies. • Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? I totally see myself communicating with others in different ways according to their group or culture. For example, I talk to professionals such as Church Pastors, Bank Clerks, School officials, and Doctors and Instructors in more professional tone with higher vocabulary than I would a child or someone I just met off the street. I think we change our style of communication to meet the needs of our audience. Another example would be when I am communicating with a non- English learner or disabled person. I speak in a slower and more simpler tone in hopes that they would understand what I am communicating. Lastly, I would use more gestures and facial expression for those who are younger, disabled, or language other than English. • 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. I think three strategies that I could use to help me to become an even better communicator is to look into myself and see more of what my perceptions are based on my culture. "...one’s perception patterns are learned as we learn to see the world in a certain way based on our cultural background" (Vuckovic, A. 2008). How we see others and what we choose to hear from them is based on our perceptions. Another strategy I think can be effective in communicating is to use self reflection. It helps to look at others before looking at ourselves in terms of communication. "Hence, self-reflective processes must not exclusively be allocated to the integration of feedback but must also be alert to assess the individual’s success in creating an atmosphere that encourages other people to offer feedback" (Vuckovic, A. 2008).By listening, having eye contact, and not being into ourselves when communicating, we can open doors for others to communicate freely with us. Lastly, I think an effective strategy to adopt when communicating is to be free of bias and have respect towards others cultures. By being culturally sensitive, that means we are being aware. "A worthy goal is for teachers and other early care and education specialists to become culturally sensitive and begin looking for the meaning of parenting behaviors and beliefs they run across in the families they serve" (Gonzalez-Mena, J. 2010). By looking at our own culture, we can be sensitive to the unique contributions that others have to provide for effective communication and parenting styles. References Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc text excerpt. retrieved from. https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201340_04/MS_MECS/EDUC_ 6165/Week%203/Resources/Resources/embedded/gonzalez_ch15.pdf. Vuckovic, A. (2008). Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action. Multicultural Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47–59.

Week 2 Blog_Television Communication

Blog Post: Week 2 Episode of TV show "Friends" Chapter 1, Season 1. Based on the muted version of an episode of "Friends" on YouTube, I noticed many types of communication. I saw facial expressions, body movements, selective listening, empathy, sarcasm, annoyance, and various other emotions and moods. In terms of relationships, I noticed that the characters in the show are a bunch of friends. They confide in each other and have a good relationship amongst each other. I think the characters are feeling empathy towards Jennifer Aniston because they give her hugs and express empathetic words and facial expressions. The characters also express sarcasm, laughter, and attitude and annoyance at times based on another friend's gestures or mood. After watching the show with sound, I obtained a whole new insight as to the plot of the show. I assumed that the characters did not care for Courtney Cox and were making fun of her because I noticed her roll her eyes a few times in annoyance. The conversation was really about Courtney going out to Dinner with a guy and her friends were concerned about her. (www.youtube.com). I think my assumptions would have been more correct if I had watched a show that I know well because I can interpret a characters emotions, moods, etc. if I know them. I feel that by having experience with a certain character for a while, I can get to know their emotions, wants, needs, and experience their communication levels and patterns. References www.youtube.com. (March 16,2013). "Friends" Chapter 1 Season 1. Retrieved from. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MECXw0j1KuU).

EDUC 6165-6_Week 1 Blog_Effective Communication

For the purpose of this assignment, I would like to demonstrate that the Associate Pastor of our church offers skills in effective communication. He speaks the word of god as well as councils people, teaches Sunday school at times, and performs baptisms. His many skills at effective communication offers him a chance to meet many different kinds of people. Also, the pastor of our church was raised in fifth generation Pentecostal household, which offers him many benefits of knowing the word of god and leading a life of salvation and repent. I really wish that I had the knowledge of a pastor because the things that I could teach others is remarkable. I think it is a wonderful blessing to be able to have a large audience and have everyone listen to me as we do to the pastor of the church. I also hope that my children confide in me and look up to me as do the church goers do at my church.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length) In working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds, I hope that my environment is supportive of their needs and I can provide overall support for their growing interests and knowledge about young children. Also, I feel that by having a diverse environment that favors respect, guidance, and nurturing staff to help children grow and learn, children can make the most out of their learning environment and teach one another. Lastly, I believe that family participation is key towards creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and confidence for all children. One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length) One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field in regards to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that I want for everyone who enters my environment to be assured that children’s safety and healthy development is my aim. Also, to have a collaborative and positive environment with care and love is the best that I can provide for children and families besides to remain a lifelong learner. A brief note of thanks to your colleagues I would love to give the biggest shout out of appreciation to all of my colleagues and Instructors who have given me the time and dedication to be a part of my learning community. I also, wish the best of luck and positive encouragement to each and all of you who is a part of my collegiate journey. Thanks to all and god bless all of you.