HELPFUL GUIDELINES:: If you're unfamiliar
with the technique of writing a self critique, try approaching it as a <Who am I? /
What am I? / How am I? / What do I need to be?> essay.
updated version: 1/26/07
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.
| OBSERVATION PORTFOLIO version AA S-2007 |
{{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 ]
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DETAILS FOR THIS SEMESTER'S OBSERVATION PORTFOLIO -Sect.AA [as revised from the initial review sheet]
<< Recommendations - click here for a summary of the responses/changes based on this recommendations you submitted >> |
-> 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 **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 S'07AA "Portfolio" now consists of three(3) required parts. Parts I , & II & III are required for everyone. Then you will need to decide whether to complete Part IV for the extra credit part of your portfolio submission.
-> 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 for quick review + homework credit, as well as, once for the actual, final grading. See the end of this handout for additional details & submission dates ; submission checklist
| Part I: RE: OBSERVING YOUR In-class WORK GROUP [required] |
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►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
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►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. |
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►additional specifications: * 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. |
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►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. SEE ANNOTATION #2 BELOW
(a) Option #1: Select a "real-world" group to study. This needs to be an actual, 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, 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.
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►additional details: * Although they are no longer required, in order to a good job with the final analysis paper, it is still recommended that you write down some descriptive and insightful comments each time you observe this outside-of-class group. Avoid relying on memory or on general impressions since the paper you write about the outside group 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). Apply 3-4 specific & applicable Group Discussion concepts/principles (which were studied in class) 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 (The Apprentice, Survivor, etc, ) are highly edited and therefore, generally are NOT suitable for the kind of below-the-surface analysis you need to do. Instead, speak to your instructor about ways to find a suitable group to analyze. |
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►this section's contents = a Self Critique - - - - - - - - - -- - - {typed}
[length guideline = approx 1-1½ pp. / Double Spaced] |
►this
►additional details:
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various self-analysis methods: [all of these will help you strengthen your ability to objectively assess yourself-- which is a skill that is linked to professional and personal success. ] |
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Complete a basic Self Critique in essay form. The 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. <*> |
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> 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 that top 10 list} |
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> 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. |
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> 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. |
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> Use a journal format. Keep a personal CGC journal in which you log a weekly 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. <*> |
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►additional specifications: * 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. |
HELPFUL GUIDELINES:: If you're unfamiliar
with the technique of writing a self critique, try approaching it as a <Who am I? /
What am I? / How am I? / What do I need to be?> essay.
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►this section's contents = an "Insights-about-Communication--in Groups & otherwise" Diary
in journal/log form -------- {typed} [minimum of 5 / maximum of 8 entries] [length guideline = approx 2 paragraphs/ ¾ 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\\
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►additional details: Basically, you should 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. ( "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. |
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►additional specifications: * 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 * 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.
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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
Both the midterm version & the Final version of your Observation Portfolio need to include an accurate TABLE-OF-CONTENTS.
Your 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 = 4/25/07
| √ | item / Part | how many required? |
| Table of Contents | 1 | |
| Exec memos / Part I | 2 (3 maximum) | |
| Analysis Paper / Part II | 1 | |
| Self Critique / Part III | 1 | |
| Optional Diary Entries / Part IV | 5-8 ( Extra Credit) | |
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 - No recommendations were received about Part I [Executive memos]. Nevertheless, the length has been shortened slightly and you now have the choice of doing a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 3--total. 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.
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. You are encouraged to ALSO share your 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. Please note that the total number of required Memos is now down to two. (For extra credit you can hand in three)
ANNOTATION #2 -
Several recommendations were received concerning making all parts of part II typed, and shortening the length and allowing parts to be done as a group. All of these changes/options have been incorporated. You should also be aware that "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.
In the past, a recommendation received was for a group to complete Part II [Observing an Outside group] as a group, so this option has been added as a possibility (although doing the part II paper by yourself is generally the easier way to go). Option 2 represents the recommendation that this analysis paper be 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 & 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.
No one asked about it, but the reason that this should be a group in which you are not performing as an active member is because, being a member of the group being analyzed might make it more difficult for you to perceive and interpret the group dynamics with an objective and critical eye.
ANNOTATION #3 - No suggestions were received concerning the Self Critique. However, several options have been provided for how "exploratory" you want your self critique to be. Self awareness is such a crucial part of self development and improvement, that any course which is structured on 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.
I happened to overhear a comment expressing the belief fact 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.
ANNOTATION #4 - Some recommendations expressed concern with the abstract nature of Part IV [Communication Journal],so three adaptations have been added. One is that the total number of entries be reduced but made slightly longer. Adaptation #2 is the addition of a list of Communication Dynamics that are commonly observed in everyday, interpersonal 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. Adaptation #3 allows you to make your observations on any communication situation -- not just groups.
Again due to recommendations received in the past, this segment is now OPTIONAL!
NB: "A" work in this course (i.e. CGC-quality work) constitutes demonstrating a strong ability to specifically use the text's concepts to explain and analyze actual group interaction.
page updated & revised 1/26/07