wk 6

In the norming stage individual personalities emerge as well as the overall group identities.  Roles are developed as individuals understand their worth and find there particular place.  When I was 16 I was part of the school play. From the very beginning there was a cohesive engergy that surrounding the flow of the show.  We all got along on a variety of different levels even thought we all so different.  At the end of the show the acknowledgment that we all succeeded because we were a team left us each with a positive experience and overall memory.

Adjourning is an important aspect of team development.  It is the reflective process where one understands why situations worked and different.  It is closure.  The process of Adjourning helps us to understand and evolve through our experiences.  At the end of this program I am sure that I will look back at my experience throughout and be very thankful for have had the guidance and support of my classmates.   

week 5

I recently had a disagreement with a coworker.   Our classrooms are assigned a lap top care that is to be shared equally.  The other teacher keeps the cart 3/4 of the day and my students were barely getting time.  In reflection I should of used NVC instead of being so obstinate about my point.
The principles of NVC positively effect communication in many ways.  Compassion in understanding where another person is coming from.  When the principles of NVC are practiced the outcome is usually one of collaboration.   There are no accusations or any behavior that would put the other party on the defensive.  Effective communication is all about honesty, sharing, listening and empathy.  When an individual feels that they are being heard there defenses are lowered and they are able to express their thoughts and in turn become more responsive to the other parties thoughts and feelings. 
The 3 R's of communication serves as a model on how to approach our daily interactions.   They are reflect, respect and request.  When you reflect you are figuring out what you are seeking, what is it you want.  Respect is envisioning how you can meet your need while still respecting the other party.  Request is all about collaboration.  Requesting a shared moment; collaboration not demanded immediate compliance.  

 I learned a lot about effective communication and the importance of fostering an aura of compassion.  These principles will help me to be a better communicator and overall teacher. 

week 4

 I have always considered myself to be a good communicator and this weeks assessments seem to back up this assumption.   For as long as I can remember my intrapersonal skills were always highly developed.    A crazy aunt I had once told me it was because of the fact that all my planets were in the sign of Pisces.  She believed this made me naturally compassionate and empathetic. My score on the anxiety communication disorder test was low; I was grouped as a people orientated communicator with a verbal aggressive score of moderate that stated that I am balanced.   Instinctually my communication style was based on the platinum rule.  The platinum rule in communication basically says that instead of behaving the way you feel would be effective, exhibit empathy and interact mirroring behavior that resonates with the other participants.  The platinum rule forces an individual to break out of his or her own perspective.  By acknowledging the different schema we all bring to the table sets the stage for effective communication to occur.   When a shared understanding is in place behavior and speech is less defensive which can lead to many positive outcomes.  When an individual feels that they are respected then they usually mirror the same behavior.   These skills have really helped my in the classroom.  I currently teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the children reside in less then desirable home environments.   Having spent extensive time studying human behavior, I have been able to successfully maintain an excellent rapport with students and co-workers alike. As a result, there is a strong level of trust that develops which allows me to provide direction in working towards realizing shared goals and objectives.  It is through our self-presentation that we let others know more about ourselves.

It was very interested to assess the results of the same assessments on my personal communication style as seen by others.  It was nice to see that how I mean to communicate is what are truly experiences.  I gave the assessment to my partner teacher in school and the other one to my 14-year-old daughter.  My partner teacher answers almost mirrored my own.  He agreed with the assessment that I am people orientated, balanced in my aggression and rarely did I display anxiety when I was communicating.  My daughter on the other hand had a different perception of my aggression.  She perceives the use of sarcasm in any altercation as cruel.  I do have a tendency to be very sarcastic.  I think I am hilarious but her perceptions help to make me more aware of sensitive feelings.  Her assessment made me more cognizant of how to effectively communicate during times of agitation.