Part1-
Explain one of the primary causes of the problem
Describe one of the primary effects of the problem
List one of the potential criteria for your group’s solution
Even though you are only posting one of each of these items, you might elaborate on your choices, providing your reasoning for each in 2-3 sentences.
The goal is to brainstorm various reasons for the problem, describe multiple effects, and establish competing criteria for your solutions so that the group looks at the situation from myriad angles.
In the “Brainstorm Possible Solutions” portion of the assignment, students should post three possible solutions to the problem, and provide a rationale for each one.
Our goal in this step is to produce as many solutions as possible: the good, the bad, and the ugly, so to speak.
Part two-
Recall a previous or current small group to which you belonged/belong.
Trace the group’s development using the five stages discussed in this module.
Did you experience all the stages? In what order?
Did you stay in some stages more than others?
(Source: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies)
Part 3-
If the above image describes your previous experiences with group members in the many groups you’ve likely been a part of (or if it describes YOU), you are not alone. Many people cringe at the thought of group projects and presentations. It is often disconcerting to have to rely on others in the quest for a decent grade, work evaluation, or general positive outcome. Additionally, many of us struggle in group situations, as do those who have to delegate tasks when they would prefer to have a certain level of control.
Understanding how groups interact and learning how to improve group communication skills can mean the difference between a successful group experience and an unsuccessful, unproductive, completely unpleasant experience (from Introduction to Human Communication, Beauchamp).
Review the chapter
Choose one of the following options and be sure to include at least one reference from the eTextbook or lecture notes to support your answers:
Option 1
What is the best or worst group experience you have ever had?
After reviewing the chapters, to what can you attribute your experience? reference theories/concepts/terms from the chapter to support your ideas.
What could you have done to improve your experience with this group? reference theories/concepts/terms from the chapter to support your ideas.
Option 2
Have you ever held a leadership position in a group? What was it?
What was your leadership style, and why did you choose this style? refer to the leadership styles discussed in the assigned chapter to explain your answer.
How successful a leader do you think you were? explain.
