Team Development

Tuckman, jointly with Mary Ann Jensen, developed the five stages of team building.
The five stages:

• Stage 1: Forming
• Stage 2: Storming
• Stage 3: Norming
• Stage 4: Performing
• Stage 5: Adjourning

"In the "adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions" (Abudi, 2010). I personally believe high-performing groups are hard to leave especially at the beginning. It's always refreshing to be a part of a team that is built on a strong foundation and works well together.  

In college, I had the experience of working with a team where we set clear objectives and assignments, everyone was very vocal yet respectful. It made for great conversation while working on our project.  Everyone did their fair share of work and when it was time to adjourn we wanted to keep the conversation going.  Some kept in touch by exchanging phone numbers and became friends. I feel that this will be the same ritual when finishing this Master's program. We will be able to keep in touch so that we can be a reference as well as a support system for each other. The last stage adjourning, is important because it gives the group a since of closure and accomplishment. 

Communication Inside and Out

So it did not surprise me that although the scores were different my co-worker, friend and I answers were in the same categories. Our results for communication anxiety level was low, verbal aggressiveness scale was moderate and listening styles profile was people oriented. I wish I could have found someone who has not known me for a long period of time. Maybe the results would have been different! I am a pretty straight forward and true to myself type of person. What you see is what you get and people that are around me know me.

Through this week's assignments, I learned that first impressions are something most people like my self judge others on. I need to be more open to not assuming one's character is the same as when I first meet them. It is important to get to know people and not prejudge them. This learned trait is something that will take time, skill and effort but I'm open and ready to change my train of thought!

With so much going on in our world today we need to reflect on the great words of Dr. King:

Communication and Culture

The way I communicate depends on my audience. 

When communicating with children, my tone of voice is passive. I also watch what I say. Children are like sponges; they absorb everything! Another thing that I like to do when talking with children is asking them open-ended questions. I want them to expand their vocabulary and I feel that yes or no questions is limiting them from that. Lastly, non verbal communication is important to use, therefore, I use facial expressions and gestures to help get my point across.

My communication is somewhat different when I talk to parents and others outside my family and friends. I am more articulate. I do not use jargon or slang. My eyes stay on my audience. I like to read the person who is listening to me. Although, I still use facial expressions and gesture, they are not as animated like when conversing with children, family and friends. I also like to be on the same level and the person I am talking with. For example, if the person is standing, I feel like I should be standing too. 

I am more relaxed when I talk to family and friends. I use a plethora of jargon and slang. I also may not be as focused as I am with children and others outside my circle. With them I do not always think about what I will say or how I will respond, I just say it. No filters are needed. I also have the tendency when talking with my family and friends who are like family to touch them. I might touch a shoulder, give a pat on the back or grab their hand to show my concern or excitement.    

Each group of people and should be treated accordingly. Tony Robbins quote pretty much sums it up:

Sound On/Off

Let me first start off by saying that I used to watch TV with the sound off all the time when I was a child! I would watch the stories (Young and the Restless, All My Children, As the World Turns and General Hospital) on mute with my cousins. We would make up our own script. It was so much fun. Each of us would choose a character and play out their role. 

For this assignment, I went to Netflix and chose the show, Raising Hope. This show was funny on mute as well as with sound. For me, nothing really changed. The only "AHA" moment that I had was when I watched it on mute, I was trying to figure out how the characters were related or associated with each other. 

Thank you for this assignment, it brought back so many memories! I will be doing this with my children very soon. I hope they have as much fun as I did. 

Communication

(Pictured in photo from left to right: former co-worker, my mother, Sr Brenda, and myself)

Sr Brenda Cherry

Sister Brenda Cherry is a nun that worked at St. Benedict the Moor School in Washington, DC. Sr. Brenda served as my Religion teacher for three years, she also was the principal of the elementary/middle school I attended.  When I graduated from college, I was hired as the fourth grade teacher and Sr Brenda served as the teacher supervisor at St. Benedict the Moor.  

While I worked with Sr Brenda, I had the honor to witness her ability to effectively communicate with  the parents of the students at St. Benedict.  On several occasions, Sr. Brenda communicated with parents regarding students behavioral issues or educational obstacles.  During those conferences, Sr Brenda eased the concerns of the parents while thoroughly explaining her concerns.  Sr Brenda effectively addressed each issue and presented resolutions that were amenable to the parents.

As a supervisor, Sr Brenda remained engaging during the staff meetings.  She presented programs that served the community, educators, parents and students. In addition, she was very informative, helpful and maintained an open door policy.  As the principal, Sr Brenda often communicated obstacles she observed, but never created a confrontational environment.  During meetings, she would maintain a relatable atmosphere that allowed for open and sharing conversation amongst the staff.

As a student of Sr Brenda's, I witnessed her ability to communicate with students of different needs.  In my class, there were varying levels of needs.  When a student presented a special need, Sr Brenda was patient and worked diligently to make sure the student reached a point of understanding.  Additionally, Sr Brenda also proved to be confidant when students needed to discuss difficult obstacles in their lives.  Not only did Sr Brenda communicate effectively as an educator, but she served as a counselor in difficult times. She was very approachable and welcomed conversations with her at any time.

As an educator/caregiver, I strive to mimic the behaviors and commutation skills of Sr Brenda in many ways.  As I communicate with parents, I use the strategies Sr Brenda used, by clearly communicating my concerns while presenting accessible resources to the parents.  This method has proven most effective with parents of special needs students as well as those with exceptional circumstances.

As a supervisor in my current position, I often reference the approaches Sr Brenda used. When I present new ideas or initiatives, I reference her patient attitude.  If confronted with frustrations expressed by staff members, I attempt to properly explain the purpose the new program or initiative to get 100% buy-in.

As a student of Sr Brenda's, I remember her patient approach.  Sr Brenda rarely became frustrated or showed a negative attitude.  As an educator, I reference her skill in patience.  In my profession, I work with children with special needs and use the communication skills Sr Brenda used when teaching at St. Benedict the Moor. My goal is to listen, understand and address any situation as they may arise.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

This by far has been the most interesting class in the program! I have learned so most that I can apply to my daily life that will make me a better educational professional. One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I get to know them and work with them in an unbiased and nonjudgemental way! I hope one day we can all live in a prejudice free and unbiased world.

I have had so challenging times during this class but with great support form my professor and colleagues, I pulled through.

I want to take the time to give a special thanks to Dr. Horton. Thank you for your understanding, feedback, advice, and words of encouragement. It was greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank group #3. We were a small group which I liked. It was more imitate and personal. I wish you all success on the rest of your educational journey and I hope I get the pleasure of working with everyone in future courses!

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

When I entered high school, I kept my hair in a ponytail and wrapped up in a bun. I would never let it down. Well, during our winter break, my step-mother trimmed my ends and straightened my hair. I returned back to school with my hair out. At the time my hair was all the way down my back. I would describe my hair as fine and curly. Both of my parents are from the Native and African American decent. Everyone is my class kept asking me was this my real hair or weave. One girl even ran her hands through my hair to see if it was extensions or a wig because she did not believe me. I felt so uncomfortable that I went into the bathroom and put my hair back up. Negative comments and remarks were from different races; even my own ( white, black and asian). If I were put into this situation today, my reaction would be different. I would inform my classmates that everyone's grade of hair is different and not all black people wear weaves or have 'nappy' hair. I also would leave my hair out and ignore all the negative comments that were directed towards me.