Working on the group for final Group Observation Project
was like seeing real life characteristics of small group communication such as
interdependence and interactivity, exponential number of interactions, synergy,
and coordinating mechanisms. I saw that
every group member was encouraged by the supervisor to actively participate in
the discussion to develop new ideas and ways for making improvement in their
mentoring services. I observed the
communication center coaches interacting among themselves and with their
supervisor for an hour on two different days.
Two different teachers led the same group of coaches on these days. I thought the group was working responsibly
towards their goal of assisting students with speech and writing queries. I
also observed that all the group members had the freedom to work at their own
pace and yet be a part of the group. I
saw that the communication between the group was transparent thereby nurturing
a healthy atmosphere. The example where
one of the group members decided to put some music in the background with the
consensus of everyone displayed their unity and consideration of everyone.
This exercise was a link between practical implementation
of the perceptions and theoretical concepts learned in the class. So I thought it was a useful exercise because
I got to learn the actual dynamics of small group communication. I think observing a group in more than 2
settings can give a better insight of the actual communication between the
groups.
I have read a lot of possitive blogs about the group observation project. People really found it to be a good experience and a great way to learn the concepts of the class. It sounds like this is another example of a possitive outcome. I like that you chose a group on campus that is not in the context of a company or team. I imagine this was very insightful as a student who can use their services. I have followed your posts all semester because they are always up on time and easy to read. It was nice blogging with you and i'm glad to see that so many of us enjoyed the class. I was curious how a group communication class would go withour meeting face to face, but it turned out really well. Bye!
ReplyDeleteHi Blanch,
ReplyDeleteI also saw a lot of positive reactions as well about this project. I think most people liked the interaction with the groups and the experience of going out of some peoples comfort zones. I really like the fact that I was able to engage with a group of people that I would not normally be able to hang out with. I also thought that the blogging was a great addition to the class because it was a great way of getting out our thoughts in a free form way.