In my first post, I defined the image I associate with effective communication. This image has not changed, but my understanding of the value and capacity of effective communication has. In this respect, the collaborative research project was the most rewarding part of this class. Through the research project and working with my partners closely for a sustained/prolonged period of time, I learned about developing communication over the long term, not just the short term/first impression. Some of this learning came from learning from mistakes, and then improving/making corrections. Cultural differences can only account for so much, and to blame them solely would not be fair. Overall, in any group there will be differing views and directions, no matter how good the communication skills of those involved are. I could say that I learned as much about building effective working relationships as I did about synthesizing data and communicating it clearly, concisely: effectively.
Regarding the image of an effective communicator, there were plenty of examples/models of this in class.
In fact, I would say that I learned the most from my classmates. I wish that we had more discussion and communication in class so we could build relationships with each other. The blog assignment was particularly rewarding in that it allowed us to learn more about, and from, our classmates.
Hey Matt,
ReplyDeleteWith the research project comprising the major percentage of the module, it is no surprise that most of us find it the most rewarding since we spend the most time doing it.
You are right that differing views and directions are not uncommon in every group. I have it too. But it was through all these that we learned to build better commmunication bridges wuth people. It was just like a platform for us to apply the skills we learned in class.
欲穷千里路，更上一层楼。
Johny
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that, over prolonged/sustained period communicating with group members had helped to develop communication and worked odds out.
More time needed for more discussion in class. Guess we all had learnt a lot, the skills learnt and relationships built would be worthwhile.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteLike what you said, cultural difference is not the sole contributor to ineffective communication. It also depends on whether you are willing to listen to the others and compromise with each other.
I would say that I learnt a lot of our classmates too. As different people have different views, discussion sessions allow us to be exposed to different perspectives and this enable me to view issues in a new light.
Finally, it's great to know you even though you joined us late. Thanks for sharing and all the best to your future endeavours! (:
Matt,
ReplyDeleteYou talked about developing communication over the long term, not just the short/first impression. It made me wonder how many people are actually able to adjust their impression of others over time. This is because, I believe most people 'see' others based on the first impression others gave them.
In any case, I agree with you that there will be differing views and directions in any group. This is because everyone is different and unique. All the more, communication is important.
To me, effective communication allows me to share my views and directions to others in a way others can interprete, perceive, understand accurately. But whether the others agree with me, is another different issue.
I believe in collaborating with group members to agree on our mutual interests and achieve joint payoffs.
In any case, you can put forth your suggestion of having more discussion in class on the student feedback survey. (n_n)