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Page last updated 3/14/17
This information sheet is very detailed
and has been revised by your professor from the original version. It is
written with much detail and specificity so that you can work on this project independently throughout the
semester. Think of it as an instruction manual. Please read ALL of it carefully & email
your professor with any additional questions you
may have.
OBSERVATION PORTFOLIO {version 3} SPRING 2017 |
{{ an individual semester project }}
P R O J E C T R A T I O N A L E: Think of this portfolio as your job application for the position of: CGC {"Chief Group Consultant"}.
The term, Portfolio, usually refers to a collection of work created by an individual in order to demonstrate his/her talent and accomplishments in a particular area.
Consequently, your "Observation Portfolio" submission will demonstrate your individual skill in (1) observing, (2) understanding, and (3) analyzing various group-based interactions. The quality of your skills in these three areas will determine the grade & whether or not you are "hired" as a CGC . End Product: The final Portfolio submission will consist of: a TABLE-of-CONTENTS + an INTRODUCTORY ESSAY + 4 OBSERVATIONAL ENTRIES |
DETAILS FOR THIS SEMESTER'S OBSERVATION PORTFOLIO Sect.AA
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-> What is my specific objective with this project? This project's goal is to help you develop a deeper understanding of group dynamics by repeatedly observing and analyzing [see ** in next FAQ below] the discussions/interactions of a variety of multi-party communication situations.
-> What kinds of "analysis" am I expected to write? ** Analyzing = applying the concepts from the text/course notes in order to explain the observed actions of groups & effectively address possible implications. In other words, analyzing requires you to go beyond merely describing what went on.
-> Why is such a project required in addition to all my other work for this class?
For several reasons: (1) This Portfolio REINFORCES the course content in a pragmatic way. (2) It provides you with an opportunity to practice skills of observation which also are likely to be useful in your future life-- both personally and professionally. (3) The Portfolio can give you real-life insights beyond what you read in the text or get from participating in classroom projects. (4) This Portfolio is an INDIVIDUAL assignment so it serves as an opportunity to enhance your own course grade in a way that is NOT dependent on the performance of your group.
-> How many actual parts are there to the revised Portfolio?
The final Portfolio will consist of one(1) Introduction + four(4) observation essaysTheThe student is expected to select any 4 categories (contexts) from the list given below; you may want to make you choices based on what you think you most need to learn or according to what contexts best match your needs in your personal and professional life. Under certain circumstances, extra items might be accepted for extra credit. If interested, discuss this e.c. option with your Professor.
-> How will the various components be graded? The final Portfolio will be graded holistically [A,B,C,D, etc] but you can think of each required item {i.e. one(1) introduction and four ( 4 )entries] as being worth 20 points out of 100.
-> When is this project due? There is one recommended submission and one mandatory submission. The middle-of-the-semester submission is now OPTIONAL. The purpose of this midterm submission is still for you to receive homework credit (and feedback from the Professor), but it is your option to bypass this interim submission. However, past experience has shown that, on average, people who do not take advantage of this midterm review, rarely produce high quality final portfolios. The submission at the end of the semester for the actual, final grading is mandatory and no late submissions will be accepted. See the end of this handout for additional details & submission dates
<< SHORTCUTS: click links or just scroll down
Portfolio Part I (Introductory Essay)
Portfolio Part II (List of possible Categories/Contexts for observation & analysis { a-through-g})
Extra info-1 (Additional detailed guidelines for writing a Self Critique & personal progress report )
Extra info-2 (Misc. Guidelines & Recommendations)
Submission Dates (Midterm version [optional-for homework points] & Final version [ mandatory-for grading]
►Possible Categories/ Contexts for observation entries. Must use four(4) different categories out of the seven(7) listed below. |
<a> My Work Group in this class click for ANNOTATION #1 BELOW for more details on how-to-write |
<b> A "Real World" formal group public meeting - student group [or] professional/workplace [or] community/civic affairs click for ANNOTATION #2 BELOW for more details |
<c> Myself: A Personal Self Critique (including a progress report of your performance as a "participant-observer")click for ANNOTATION #3 BELOW for more details on how-to-write |
<d> A classroom discussion/project presentation - not in COMM2622 click for ANNOTATION #2 BELOW for more details |
<e> A group planning meeting - other than your work group in this class click for ANNOTATION #4 BELOW for more details |
<f> A virtual group meeting ( conducted via some form of audio or video teleconference) click for ANNOTATION #4 BELOW for more details |
<g> A non-group - i.e. a collection of people but lacking the systems-based interdependence & shared goals found in a true group click for ANNOTATION #5 BELOW for more details |
<< Section-by-Section Details
Part I: WRITING THE INTRODUCTORY ESSAY [ highlighting the key concepts within Learning, Leading, and Working in Teams] |
►this section's contents = A well-written Introduction to your Portfolio- - - {typed}
[submit 1 ] [length guideline = 3-4 well-organized paragraphs / Double Spaced]
|
►this section's goals: to demonstrate your skills of selecting, synthesizing and applying major concepts that have been addressed in this course. This Introduction will clarify your area(s) of focus to be reflected by the selections that you have made for your four(4), followup entries. .
►additional details: This is an introductory entry (1-2 pages long) in which you explain your rationales: WHAT you consider to be the most impactful group/ team communication dynamics. WHY you think that way, and HOW all of this influenced your choices for the entries you've selected for your portfolio.
Part II: bb
WRITING THE OBSERVATION ENTRIES
[what do you see & what does it mean?]
|
►this section's contents = Four (4) separate entries - - - {typed}
[submit total of 4. Any 4 of your choice ] [entry length guideline = approx 2-3 well organized paragraphs--EACH / Double Spaced]
|
►this section's goals: to learn to "see" various key concepts from the course & your text; to apply your observational skills & insights to a wider context beyond the classroom. Remember, each entry needs to include reference to a specific concept from your notes and/or text.
►Notetaking guidelines: It is recommended that you write down some descriptive and insightful notes for yourself each time you observe your selected groups. Avoid relying on memory or on general impressions.
►Reminder:
Possible Categories/ Contexts for observation entries. ONE per entry.
<a> My Work Group in this class
<b> A "Real World" formal group public meeting - student group [or] professional/workplace [or] community/civic affairs
<c> Myself: A Personal Self Critique (including a progress report of your performance as a "participant-observer")
<d> A classroom discussion/project presentation - not in COMM2622
<e> A group planning meeting - other than your work group in this class
<f> A virtual group meeting ( conducted via some form of audio or video teleconference
<g> A non-group - i.e. a collections of people but lacking the interdependence & shared goals found in a true group.
* Occasionally, people consider substituting with a TV/Film group or sports team for the "real world" analysis paper. However, be aware that such TV group-based reality shows (Big Brother, Top Model, Survivor, Project Runway, Top Chef, The Apprentice, etc.) are highly edited and therefore, generally are NOT suitable for the kind of below-the-surface analysis you need to do. Similarly unless you are traveling with a sports team, you do not have access to the necessary unedited view of the group-as-a-system.
Do NOT use a TV group for this part without first receiving explicit approval from your Professor.
Extra info-1: RE: SELF CRITIQUE-Detailed Options [looking in the mirror] |
► this
section's contents =
several
different approaches to accomplishing the
Self Critique/Personal
Progress Report- - - -{typed}
[this is one of your entry options ] [If selected, the length guideline = approx 1&1/2 pp. / Double Spaced]
|
►some possible approaches: [all of these will help you objectively assess yourself--which is a skill that frequently is linked to professional and personal success. ]
<ver1> Consider your performance as a group participant in & out of this class & write a basic self assessment essay [see "Self Critique" details below**] |
<ver2> Devise a measurement scale in order to rank yourself on the "10 top areas of skill & effectiveness for a group participant" -- as deduced from performance guidelines in your textbook {note, you will also need to create & ANNOTATE that top 10 list} |
<ver3> 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. |
<ver4> 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. (total of 10 PPR journal entries) |
<ver5> Use a self-analysis checklist as you would find in any Oral Communication textbook. Add a paragraph to answer the 3 group-related factors flagged below: <*> |
|
** "Self Critique" details:] If you opt to complete a basic Self Critique essay [ver1 above], your paper/essay should discuss, at the very least, these four factors --
(1) evaluate your usual "roles" as performed in this class & in outside groups
<*>
>Although a self critique cannot be finalized until the end of the semester, if you wish, you may submit a preliminary version along with your midterm materials.
Extra info-2: RE:
MISC RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES
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►this section's contents = several overall reminders --
|
Some misc. notes about completing/submitting your Observation Portfolio
♦ ♦
All specifications for this
semester's Observation Portfolio assignment are located within this online document.
There is no hardcopy version of this document available. However, samples
of Memos/Post Mortems & sample Analysis Papers will be distributed,
along with midterm feedback sheets.
♦ ♦ This Observation Portfolio is something you are working on over the course of the semester-- in your own way. It is recommended that you create a long term work schedule for yourself.
♦
♦
NB: "A" -quality work in this
course consists of a strong ability to apply the
course's/text's concepts to explain and accurately analyze group interactions. The Portfolio will actually
be graded holistically [A,B,C,D, etc] but you can think of each Component
as being worth 20 points.
♦ ♦ an extra NOTE about Wkg.In.Grps. this semester's in-class groups are at-or-near "optimum" size, so individual workloads still should be manageable. Remember, the goal of the course is to learn how to accomplish the maintenance skills necessary to "work well with others" -- whatever the size of the group.
♦ ♦If you elect to submit a midterm portfolio, then adjust your writing of the remaining entries according to the feedback(&/or samples) you receive after the midterm review.
T
SUBMISSION DATES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At last class session [ Mon 5/1] you are required to hand in your completed Portfolio. The Criteria for grading the Final Portfolio will include: | |
1. Have you demonstrated an ability to recognize, analyze, and clearly discuss the various elements of group interaction/discussion? | |
2. Have you demonstrated an ability to transfer the "book knowledge" to real=life group situations? | |
3. Have you demonstrated an improvement in your personal skills in Leading, Learning, and Working in groups-- in comparison to the beginning of the semester? | |
The The grading sheet to be used for this final portfolio
also will indicate whether or not you
got the job [of CGC {"Chief Group Consultant"} ]. |
Checklist-- Am I ready to submit my final Portfolio ( ver3)??? (S17AA)
√ | Item / Part | how many required? |
Am I aware of the submission dates for both the Midterm version & the Final version? |
Midterm = OPTIONAL: submit anything
you've completed so far {for homework credit & to
receive
feedback on the quality so far} {By now, you should have drafts of at
least 2 items} { Midterm Submission Window = 2/27 - 3/15 * {due on 5/1/17} *NB: portfolios submitted very close to the midterm deadline date might not be returned for 1-2 weeks |
|
|
Table of Contents [including page numbers] | 1 |
|
Part I [ i.e. Introductory Essay] | 1 |
|
Part II [i.e. Observation entries ] | 4
entries (tba
maximum)
{at least 2-3 paragraphs each) Remember, each entry needs to include reference to a specific concept from your notes and/or textbook. |
|
||
[recommended, if applicable] midterm feedback sheet | 1 {checklist received from Professor} | |
ANNOTATION #1 S17-- about Part II<a> [Observing YOUR Work Group in this class] Some additional tips & guidelines:
>this item's goals: to strengthen your "participant-observer" skills; to integrate text/course concepts; to develop the skill to assess the operational performance a group you are participating in.
> entry specifications: The entry should focus on a particular session -- either a certain work session [i.e. a GMAP] or a certain class presentation. Avoid generalized, superficial overviews.
>additional details: This entry's commentary is based on your ongoing work group/team in this class. It should be phrased as concrete, follow-up memos/post-mortem such as those a CEO or division executive would write. You also can think of it as as comparable to "blog posts". Each memo/post mortem needs to focus on performance during a specific group session [ see "helpful guidelines" below]. You also can consider things that occur virtually (email/text/chat, etc) leading to the actual presentation/GMAP session being assessed in that entry. Areas of commentary can include: OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS , TASK BEHAVIORS & EFFECTIVENESS , MAINTENANCE BEHAVIORS & EFFECTIVENESS , and/or BEHAVIORAL and FUNCTIONAL ROLES. Consider the group's operation as a SYSTEM. Be sure to incorporate relevant concepts from your text and/or notes.
> Sharing of personal insights: Feel free to share your item <a> observations with your group members as your group conducts its own, internal post-presentation assessments. However, the primary purpose of item <a> is as an opportunity to use these P.M. memos to demonstrate YOUR observational qualifications to your Professor.
Generally, groups benefit from conducting their own regular "Post Mortem/Debrief" sessions among the members so that the group as-a-whole can benefit from internal feedback and observations. I recommend that groups members communicate openly & share their observations with their groupmates, but I will not "share". Whatever you write in your portfolio is confidential-- so you can "name names".
HELPFUL GUIDELINES: Draw on your previous experience in writing assessments/critiques--either in Oral Comm. or a similar course. If not, use your "common sense" and a S-W-O-T* approach to this entry. memos/post-mortems. It helps to approach these memos as brief, analytical critiques about your group's operation as a SYSTEM. Be sure to incorporate relevant concepts from your text and/or notes.
*
|
ANNOTATION #2
S17 --
about
Part II<b/d>
[A
"Real World" public meeting]:
> For this Part of the Portfolio, you want to be an "outsider" - [i.e. outside the fishbowl] . Preferably, choose an actual, non-classroom, on-going, operating group. Observe the discussions and/or interactions of this outside-of-class group as many times as possible.
> Possible groups-to-be-observed/analyzed. For your "real world" group, if you are ABSOLUTELY unable to complete a Face-to-Face option, you can now use a videorecorded group but please be aware you should use a "natural" group, not something from a movie or TV show-- both of which are too subjectively edited. Also, include the URL of the videofootage.
- However,
since a live group is the preferred option, it's still recommended that you seek
out one of the many real life/
outside-of-this-
class
groups that you can observe via a "fishbowl"-type method.
[e.g Fraternity Council , club meetings, public town hearings, committee meetings,
staff/co-worker meetings, school/intramural sports team meetings, study groups, etc.]
> Options for observing & writing. Select 3-4 specific concepts from the course and/or text on which to focus;
You can opt to complete this item as a group rather than as an individual. This way you can take advantage of multiple perspectives. However, please realize that this also means that a group-authored paper should be longer & more comprehensive.
> It is easier to maintain the necessary analytical objectivity if you are not a member of the group being observed; however, if you cannot accomplish this desired criterion, discuss your situation with the Professor about any alternatives you have in mind.
>
HELPFUL GUIDELINES: Grading for this item will be based on the quality of the specificity, insightfulness, and analysis in your descriptions & the way you apply the textbook's theories and principles to the group dynamics that you are observing.
ANNOTATION #3
S17-- about
Part II<c>
[Self Critique]:
>
Increased self analysis:
You can get extra
points by including
reference to a group that you will be part of in
►some possible approaches: [all of these will help you objectively assess yourself--which is a skill that frequently is linked to professional and personal success. ]
<ver1> Consider your performance as a group participant in & out of this class & write a basic self assessment essay [see "Self Critique" details below**] |
<ver2> Devise a measurement scale in order to rank yourself on the "10 top areas of skill & effectiveness for a group participant" -- as deduced from performance guidelines in your textbook {note, you will also need to create & ANNOTATE that top 10 list} |
<ver3> 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. |
<ver4> 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. (total of 10 entries) |
<ver5> Use a self-analysis checklist as you would find in any Oral Communication textbook. Add a paragraph to answer the 3 group-related factors flagged below: <*> |
|
** "Self Critique" details:] If you opt to complete a basic Self Critique essay [ver1 above], your paper/essay should discuss, at the very least, these four factors --
(1) evaluate your usual "roles" as performed in this class & in outside groups
<*>
>Although a self critique cannot be finalized until the end of the semester, if you wish, you may submit a preliminary version along with your midterm materials.
.
ANNOTATION #4-S17-
about Part II<e/f>
["Private"
Group sessions]:
Some additional tips & guidelines:
> areas of focus: Four (4) major areas from the textbook will be applicable to analyzing how a group "works together": Elements of the Communication Process [ Chap1} Systems Theory [ notes & slide shows}, Roles - especially "maintenance"-type [ Chap 3 and dialectics [ throughout the textbook]
> Consider the group's operation as a SYSTEM. Be sure to incorporate relevant concepts from your text and/or notes.
>
ANNOTATION #5:S17 - about Part II<g> ["nongroup/collection-of-people"]
►this section's goals: To draw a connection between the lessons you are learning about group communication/dynamics and the communication behaviors observed in the everyday world. even in non-group settings
>Recommended Procedure :
<1>
As you
go through your daily life, start paying closer attention to how people interact/communicate in formal [i.e.
groups & teams]
and informal groupings [i.e.
collections of people]. Note "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 &/or text concepts which correspond to what you've noticed.
<4>
Write
the entries. Each entry must explicitly address at least one specific
group concept/ dynamic mentioned in the course and/or text.
[see additional suggestions below in
Guidelines section]
<5> Each entry must pertain to a defined communication encounter e.g. Interpersonal, Public, Nonverbal, Groups-in-general, etc. Just as you might do in a journal or a "blog" you are being asked to write down your Feelings/Reactions/Thoughts/Insights in an free-flowing way.
- How people behave while waiting in Lines / The many ways that we communicate without words / Cultural Norms / Self Disclosure as a tool of 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 Group operations / 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
HELPFUL GUIDELINES: tba
REMINDER:
Possible Categories/ Contexts for observation entries. ONE type of group per entry.
<a> My Work Group in this class
<b> A "Real World" formal group public meeting - student group [or] professional/workplace [or] community/civic affairs
<c> Myself: A Personal Self Critique (including a progress report of your performance as a "participant-observer")
<d> A classroom discussion/project presentation - not in COMM2622
<e> A group planning meeting - other than your work group in this class
<f> A non-group - i.e. a collection of people but lacking the interdependence & shared goals found in a true group.
<g> A virtual group meeting ( conducted via some form of audio or video teleconference
page
revised & updated
1/15/17
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THESE ITEMS CURRENTLY NOT
APPLICABLE FOR THIS SEMESTER
►additional details:
* 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.
|
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________________________________________________________________________________