The purpose of writing these papers is to help you identify, recognize and think about group communication. By writing down your insights you will also have a record upon which to refer later should you complete need to complete the Communication capstone.

For Reflection papers 1, 2, 3, & 4 assess your group in any one of the areas below. Begin each paper by clearly stating which question you will be addressing. Clarify your ideas and observations with examples from small groups you have observed. The more specific your examples the better. Each paper must include at least one cited reference supporting or explaining your insights.

• What roles have you seen exhibited so far in your group? Use the discussion of Roles in your text pages 51- 54 to inform your paper. Describe at least seven roles and specific behavior associated with the roles identified. Explain which roles are positive and which roles are negative for group goal attainment. Carefully define key terms and be sure to cite your text book in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• Describe the listening behaviors exhibited in your group. Use the discussion of Listening in your text pages 134 - 145 to inform your paper. Discuss at least one barrier group members have encountered and suggest two recommendations for improving group member's active listening skills. Carefully define key terms and be sure to cite your text book in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• Explain what climate is with respect to small groups. Provide in your explanation a definition of group climate from a credible source as well as an explanation of the concept in your own words and an example of how you have seen communication behavior impact the climate of a group. A complete answer will address both supportive and defensive climate behaviors and include specific examples of support and defensive messages that influence how a climate is created. Be sure to list the resources you utilize in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• Describe at least three different types of power you have seen used in your group. Identify and define the different types of power observed along with clear examples supporting your choice. Finally, discuss how you have empowered yourself as a member in the group. Feel free to utilize resources on pages 255 - 259 to inform your discussion. Be sure identify any quotes or paraphrases you use and list the resources you utilize in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• Identify the leader(s) in your group. Describe what leadership "style" (use tems from the text) the person exhibits providing examples to support this assumption. Include a brief explanation of how they were chosen leader, and what specific tasks this leader fulfills for the group with examples for each. Feel free to utilize resources outside of chapter thirteen to inform your discussion. Carefully define key terms and be sure to list the resources you utilize in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• What approaches to decision making is your group using (majority rule, minority rule, consensus)? Identify at least two different decisions your group has made, one effective and one ineffective, include a discussion of the decision and what factors of decision-making contributed to the success of the decision. Finally, identify what you would do to improve your group’s decision-making ability? Feel free to utilize resources included in chapter nine to inform your discussion. Be sure to list the resources you utilize in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

• Address some other issue of importance to your team’s effectiveness (including, but not limited to: conflict management, meeting management, norms, goals, systems theory, decision-making processes, stages of group formation, group think, social loafing, synergy, etc). Your discussion should begin with a clear statement of what issue you will address and why it is important. You should seek resources either from the text or another credible resource to inform your discussion. Sources must be documented and cited in a bibliography at the end of your paper.

These papers should be typed, double-spaced and adhere to the conventions of appropriate content, organization, style, and mechanics as identified by the "Writing Checklist" available from your instructor. Papers will be graded based on the accuracy of the information provided, how well the concepts are supported through explanation and examples, the depth of small group understanding demonstrated, and the professionalism exhibited through proper organization, spelling, grammar and punctuation. A well informed paper will include resources such as your textbook or other credible sources and cite them properly in a bibliography.

Papers should be submit in via e-mail as Word attachments although hard copy is acceptable. All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. of the date indicated in the course schedule.

Developed by David Bodary, Comments and Suggestions
Last modified: March 26, 2007