old  version: 9/24/08 - TO BE UPDATED FOR F09

 This information sheet has been written with MUCH detail so that you can work on this project independently throughout the semester; please read ALL of it carefully & email any questions you may have.

{{a semester project }} 

PROJECT RATIONALE:

The "position" that you are applying for with this portfolio is that of: 

 CGC  {"Chief Group Consultant"}  

 

The term Portfolio is usually applied to a collection of works created by an individual which demonstrates his/her talent and accomplishments in a particular area. 

 

  Consequently, an "Observation Portfolio" will demonstrate your individual skill in observing and analyzing various contexts of group AND individual behavior.  The quality of your skills in this area will determine whether or not you get the job. [of CGC ]

-> What is my specific objective with this project?  The overall goal for this project is to develop a deeper understanding of group dynamics by repeatedly observing and analyzing [see ** in FAQ below] the discussions/interactions of various particular groups.

-> What kinds of "analysis" am I expected to write?  ** Analyzing = applying the concepts from the text/course notes in order to better understand and explain the implications of the actions of the group & the group members. In other words, analyzing requires you to do more than merely describe what went on.

-> Why do I have to do such a project in addition to all my other work for this class?  Because this project requires you to complete several observations and writings for a variety of groups, it will help you develop a deeper, more perceptive, and more pragmatic understanding of the patterns of group communication than you could achieve by simply reading the text or participating in your group presentations. It will also give each person an opportunity to enhance his/her own course grade in a way that is unconnected to his/her group's quality & performance. 

-> How many actual parts are there to the revised Portfolio?  The F07AA "Portfolio" now consists of three(3) required parts.  Parts I & III are required for everyone. Then you will need to decide whether to complete one of the versions of Part II  OR a beefed up PART IV for the third part of your portfolio submission. For extra credit you can complete all four parts, as originally written. 

-> How will the various components be graded? The Portfolio will actually be graded holistically [A,B,C,D, etc] but you can think of each Part as being worth 33 points. 

-> When is this project due?    There are 2 mandatory submissions:  once in the middle of the semester for quick review + homework credit, as well as, at the end of the semester for the actual, final grading. See the end of this handout for additional details & submission dates

Part I:  RE: OBSERVING YOUR In-class WORK GROUP [required]

►this section's contents = "Executive memos"/post-mortems   {typed}       [submit a minimum of 2 / maximum of 3 ]  [length guideline = approx. 1-2 paragraphs each][Double Spaced]

►this section's goals: to strengthen your "participant-observer" skills; to integrate text/course concepts; to maximize your experiential learning from working in groups in class. SEE ANNOTATION #1  BELOW

►additional details:  *  The group being observed & analyzed here in part I is your ongoing work group/team in this class. These memos/post-mortems should be phrased as specific, follow-up assessments / commentaries such as those a CEO or division executive would write.  Each memo consists of your own , post-session,  commentary and assessment of your group's operational performance in a particular discussion (you can write about either a particular work session or a particular class presentation).  If you wish,  in order to track the INTERACTION PROCESSES  that the group used, you also could include samples of the intragroup correspondence used during the group's planning stages.    In general, I recommend that you share your comments with your groupmates, but I will not.  What you write to me is confidential.

* You should use basic memo format  {i.e. "TO:/FROM:/RE:"}.   In general, you will be writing about your in-class group as-a-whole but you should also specify particular participants, where appropriate. The subject matter of these  memos/post-mortems  is to assess your group's operational performance.  Your areas of commentary can include the : OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS , TASK BEHAVIORS & EFFECTIVENESS and/or MAINTENANCE BEHAVIORS & EFFECTIVENESS , BEHAVIORAL and/or FUNCTIONAL ROLES of your fellow participants.  Also, it may help you to think of these memos as brief analytical critiques in which you discuss your group's operation as a SYSTEM.  For better quality, also incorporate other concepts from your text and/or notes, as relevant.

* Spread out the memos so that at least one is done at or before before midterm time & one is done during the last month of the semester.

         * IF you'd like to take advantage of multiple perspectives, you have the OPTION 

       to complete one  of your submitted memos as  a collaborative paper (2-3 authors), but your other

           portfolio memo(s) should be  done individually.  It is recommended that any collaborative papers

           be done on the second half  of the course.

Part II:   RE: OBSERVING YOUR CHOSEN OUTSIDE GROUP [!!]

(one of which you are NOT performing as an active member)

 

[!!] If you prefer, you can complete a "beefed-up" version of Part IV instead of Part II

• 
  

►this section's contents = 1 formal Analysis Paper - - - - - - {typed}      [length guideline = approx 2--3 pp. / Double Spaced]

►this section's goals: to integrate text/course concepts; to develop more objectivity in your observation style. It is easier to remain objective if you are not a member of the group but IF ABSOLUTELY  NECESSARY, you can use a group of which you are a member.  Non-classroom groups contain a motivation & a bottomline seriousness that is helpful to observe and analyze considering the fact that most of your future group involvement  will  be similarly "real".   SEE ANNOTATION #2  BELOW

    (a) Option #1:    Select a "real-world" group to study. This needs to be an actual, non-classroom, on-going, operating group.  Observe the discussions of this outside-of-class group as many times as possible.

    (b) Option #2:  Follow the same procedure listed above in option 1, but complete this part of the portfolio in collaboration with your in-class work group [or a subgroup of 2-3 members] . Also be sure to read Annotation #2 below.

    (c) Option #3:  Follow the same procedure, but you can make your observation & analysis on one of the OTHER groups in this class. This means you will need to attend at least one of their out-of-class GMAP sessions in addition to sitting in on a few of their in-class GMAPs. Also be sure to read Annotation #2 below.

 * Although they are no longer required, it is still recommended that you write down some descriptive and insightful notes for yourself each time you observe this outside-of-class group -- in order to a good job with the final analysis paper.  Avoid relying on memory or on general impressions since the paper you write will need to be concrete &  specific.

 * PROCEDURE: Basically, you should :

        <1> select 3-4 specific concepts from the course and/or text  on which to focus,

        <2> observe the chosen group at least 2 times,

        <3> take notes on what you see,

        <4> write the paper.

* This "formal" Analysis Paper is similar to the critical essays that you probably have written for other courses (e.g. Oral Comm, Mass Comm, Art of West.World, The transformational journey).  Apply 3-4 specific & applicable Group Discussion concepts/principles (from the class or the text) to your analysis of this out-of-class group.

* Grading for this section will be based on the specificity of the descriptions AND your insightfulness in applying of the text's "theories" to the group dynamics that you are observing and analyzing.

* If you get in a "bind" and want to substitute a TV/Film group for analysis, note that TV group-based  shows (Big Brother, Top Model, Survivor, Apprentice, etc.) are highly edited and therefore,  generally are NOT suitable for the kind of below-the-surface analysis you need to do.

►this section's contents = a Self Critique - - - - - - - - - -- - - {typed}      [length guideline = approx 1-1 pp. / Double Spaced]

►this section's goals: to increase personal objectivity; to see yourself through eyes of others; to develop the ability to conduct honest,  behavioral self assessment.  <SEE ANNOTATION #3  BELOW>

    some possible methods: [all will help you strengthen the ability to objectively assess yourself--a skill that is linked to professional and

                                                                   personal success. ]

         

> Consider your performance as a group participant in & out of this class & write a basic self assessment [see "Self Critique" details below]

> Devise a measurement scale in order to rank yourself on the "10 top areas of skill &  effectiveness for a group participant" {note, you will also need to create & ANNOTATE that top 10 list}

> Select a member of your group to give you honest & objective feedback  focusing on the 5  self  critique items listed below. Together,  write the analysis paper.

> Use a journal format.  Keep a personal CGC journal in which you log a daily entry on your specific personal progress over the course of the semester.

> Use a self-analysis checklist as you would find in any Oral Communication textbook. Add a paragraph to answer the specific group-related factors specified below. <*>

> NOT APPLICABLE FOR THIS SEMESTER>>>Beef up each of the part I submissions (the 2-3 Executive Memos). This means that each  Postmortem/Memo must include 1-2 additional paragraphs in which you assess your behaviors, contributions, and effectiveness in your group's overall  operations as well as in the actual group session you are writing about in that PM/EM.

            

    

*  If you opt to complete the original, basic Self Critique, the essay/paper should include a discussion & analysis of these five factors -- 

          >>  your roles in class & outside groups <*>

          >>  your communication skills & effectiveness this semester in this class and elsewhere

          >>  your overall strengths as a group participant & possible areas for improvement <*>

          >>  your areas for improvement

           >>  cite one specific "group" that you expect to be part of in the near future & speculate (using

                logical reasoning ) about how you will operate in it. <*>

* Although this particular section  of your portfolio cannot be finalized until the end of the semester, if you wish, you may submit a preliminary self-critique with your midterm materials.

Part IV:  RE: OBSERVING THE COMMUNICATION AROUND YOU [!!]

        [!!]  If you prefer, you can substitute a "beefed up" version of this section for  Part II.[Option #1]

          [!!] If you are already completing Part II ,as written, you can include Part IV as extra credit.[Option #2]

►this section's contents  = an "Insights-about-Group-Communication" Diary  in journal/log form  -------- {typed}    [minimum of  5  / maximum of  8  entries]  [length guideline = approx 2 paragraphs/ page each]  Double Spaced]

►this section's goals: To draw a connection between the lessons you are learning about group communication/dynamics and the everyday world that you live in.  SEE ANNOTATION #4 BELOW

(a) Option #1:  if using this as an alternate to part II:   you should  use the procedural directions for option 2 below. However....  Then follow this procedure:

* The majority of your entries should pertain to some sort of specific  group communication context. (of any size)

* Select 3-4 specific  group concepts from the course and/or text  on which to focus,

* Make note of any changes in observed grouping  productivity, strengths & weaknesses in relation to those chosen concepts.

* write the entries.  Each entry must address at least one specific group concept mentioned in the course and/or text. Entry length should be about 3/4 - 1 page each.

(b) Option #2:  if using this Part as extra credit: Follow this procedure:

    <1> as you go through your daily life, start paying closer attention to how  people interact & communicate in

        formal and informal groupings [i.e. collections of people] . ( "how" they do it, not "what" they are doing) ;

    <2>  take notes (written or mental) on what you think is interesting in these human encounters & interactions

        around you ;

    <3> review  specific course / text concepts  which correspond to what you've noticed;

    <4> write the entries.  Each entry must address at least one specific group concept mentioned in the course

        and/or text.

 

<5> Each entry must pertain to a communication encounter -- in ANY respect: e.g. Interpersonal, Public, Nonverbal,  Groups-in-general, etc.  Just as you would do in a personal diary or journal, you are being asked to write down your Feelings/Reactions/Thoughts/Insights in an free-flowing way; nevertheless, each entry needs to include reference to a specific concept from your notes and/or text. Each entry should be at least one "comprehensive paragaraph.

<6>The settings for these entries can include: your workplace, your family, encounters with friends, your in-class group, your outside group, etc.

 

 

* Grading in this section will consider your quality of  perception and your clarity of expression.

 

HELPFUL GUIDELINES:  Think in terms of those (introspective) journals/diaries you may have kept in previous  years. Be sure to ask me if you want further clarification.

  >   Possible Communication Dynamics that you might  notice:

        - How people behave while waiting in Lines  / The many ways that we communicate without words /  Cultural Norms / Self Disclosure as a Interpersonal negotiation /  Cross cultural Communication isn't just across "cultures" / Variations in Perception / The many uses of Eye Contact / The Power of the Norm in Groups / How some speakers are excellent & others are only very good; what's the secret? / How are some people take and maintain the floor in group discussions and others can't get in a word, etc.etc

  

SUBMISSION DATES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Both the midterm version & the Final version of your Observation Portfolio need to  include an accurate TABLE-OF-CONTENTS.

• NOTE: At midterm time, you will be required to hand in your Portfolio-In-Progress for review & feedback [i.e. You should hand in anything you've completed up until that time---rough drafts & handwritten work are OK] . Within a week or so, I'll return it all to you with comments and  recommendations. This way you'll receive some specific feedback before you hand in the Final, complete Portfolio at the end of the semester for a grade. This Midterm submission is not graded but it does count as a homework assignment.

            Midterm  Submission_window=  10/20/08 -11/5/08   NB: portfolios submitted close to the deadline

                                                                                           might  not be returned for 1-2 weeks

• Criteria for grading the Final Portfolio will be based on:

1. your demonstrated ability to recognize, analyze, and clearly discuss the various elements within group discussion and/or group interaction;
2. your demonstrated ability to transfer the "book knowledge" to group communication situations in the outside world;
3. a demonstrated improvement (in comparison to the beginning of the semester) in your own skills of observation and perception.

           You final grading sheet for this portfolio will also indicate whether or not you got the job

            [ of  CGC  {"Chief Group Consultant"}   ] 

   Final (completed) Portfolio Submission Deadline  =   12/8/08

   Checklist-- Am I ready to submit my final  F08AA Portfolio???

   √	item / Part	how many required?
   	Table of Contents	1
   	Exec memos / Part I	2        (3 maximum)
   	Analysis Paper / Part II 0r "beefed"Journal Entries /Part IV	1 0r  5-8
   	Self Critique / Part III	1

the  COMPLIANCE FACTOR IN ACTION

about your recommendations......

The Portfolio will actually be graded holistically [A,B,C,D, etc] but you can think of each Part as being worth 33 points. 

ANNOTATION #1 - Although no recommendations were received about Part I [Executive memos],in the past, suggestions have referred to the length/formality of the memos. Therefore,the length of the memos has been shortened but the quality expectation is the same. Carefully note the content expectations as specified in the section above. There is also now an option to complete one of the memos as a collaborative paper with some co-authoring of one of these post mortem memos. Please note that the total number of required Memos is now down to two.  (For extra credit you can hand in three).  At least two memos are needed to demonstrate one's growth in applying the course material.   

FYI;  It is a great idea to conduct "Post Mortem/Debrief" sessions among the group members so that the group as-a-whole can benefit from the feedback and observations. In fcat, one recommendation suggested conducting such group analysis as an alternative to the Outside-Group-Analysis-Paper.   You are encouraged to share your E.M./P.M observations with your group members but the main purpose of these E.M./P.M.'s is to present YOUR, individual observational qualifications to your instructor.

back to Part I

ANNOTATION #2 - As was mentioned in class, the reason that this should be a real, "real world" group in which you are not performing as an active member is because, being a member of the group being thoroughly analyzed might make it more difficult for you to perceive and interpret the group dynamics with an objective and critical eye.

 Several recommendations were received concerning making part II optional, combining it or switching it out for another segment. One recommendation suggested that the principles of Part II could be covered in the part IV entries so you now have the option to complete (a more comprehensive) Part IV instead.  Different people have different learning goals. If your goal is to get an "A"  in this course/project, substituting Part IV for Part II will require the completion of Part IV with less of a  journal/diary approach and more of an analytical, group-oriented approach to the part IV entries.  "A"  work in this course (i.e. CGC-quality) constitutes demonstrating a strong ability to specifically use the text's concepts to explain and analyze actual group interaction. You should be aware that it's possible but much harder to accomplish that demonstration via the shorter journal entries that constitute Part IV.

     Also, you now have the option to complete Part II [Observing an Outside group] as a group, (However, doing the part II paper by yourself is generally the easier way to go.) Option 2 represents the recommendations that these analyses  be done via a group project. If 2-5 people really want to collaborate on the viewing, analysis, and writing about the same "Real Life" group-- you can, but be aware that the resulting paper should be proportionately longer & even more in depth.  It will would require coordination for the writing & editing.  In addition, rather than the specifications noted above for an individual doing this assignment, a group/co-authored  paper should select 5-6 course concepts to apply to the observed group. Also it would be appropriate to include a schematic/diagram of the layout & interaction patterns of the discussion being observed. ETC.,ETC.

back to Part II

ANNOTATION #3 - The only recommendations received suggested leaving the Self Critique as is.  Based on recommendations from past semesters, you now have several more options for how you want your self critique to be structured.    Self awareness is such a crucial part of self development and improvement, any course which incorporates self development via experiential learning (such as this one), will work best if the participants periodically STOP, LOOK, and ASSESS themselves. This is also a useful technique for life, not just this course.

In the past, I have heard students acknowledge that people often have difficulty being honest & objective about evaluating their own behaviors.  I agree. This will be an opportunity to begin developing a useful skill.

back to Part III

ANNOTATION #4 - Some recommendations expressed concern with the abstract nature of Part IV [Communication Journal],so two adaptations have been added. One is that the total number of entries = 5-8.  Adaptation #2 is the addition of a list of Communication Dynamics that are commonly observed in everyday, group encounters.  Maybe this list will give you some ideas about what to notice about how many classic communication principles are going on around you all of the time.

Again due to recommendations received, this segment can now be substituted for Part II. However, if you take that option,  be sure that your entries are substantive and based on specific observation sessions.  And please be aware that this substitute option means your PART IV content will need to be more analytical and less descriptive than originally described on the initial review sheet.

 back to Part IV

page updated & revised 9/24/08