Looking forward

A few observations from today's presentation:

• seems like many of you are well versed in computer/technology. And perhaps the reason very few of you blog is because you don't like writing (since there aren't many liberal arts students in the classes)
• many of you bring with you experiences of working in diverse small groups
• you are energetic, enthusiastic and looking forward to working on the Service Learning Project

The last point is an especially important one to note and sustain. I hope this enthusiasm will carry you from beginning to end of the project. To me, there is nothing worse than working with a bunch of apathetic and uninterested team mates. Keep your spirits up as obstacles come your way.

Now that the teams have introduced themselves, what's next?

Many of you have mentioned that you have worked in or still belong to teams. But then, if you look further back in your life, you will realize that since kindergarten, or perhaps going even further back than that, you have been put into small groups to accomplish small tasks, play fun games or find a new friend. In other words, we are all socialized into group settings.

That's great! So why take a class on Small Group Communications?

My hopes for this class is to sharpen your skills as a communicator within a small group working environment, to help you understand your roles wthin a small group and to correct flaws in your communication habits. So this is NOT JUST ABOUT WORKING IN A TEAM OF 5 PEOPLE!

The blog will be one toll that you will use to reflect on your own behaviors, growth and habits as a communicator. Other ways of achieving the goals I set for you will be through the service learning project, small group tasks, and other activities plan for this class.

My goal is that at the end of this semester, each of you will have a better understanding of yourself and also be able to excel in a professional team environment. I hope all of you will strive for excellence in your work - mediocrity will definitely get you a B or less in class.

Over the next few weeks, there will be less of the lecture format (vertical hierarchy - me talk, you listen) and more of the team friendly environment (a horizontal hierarchy where the best idea wins). I look forward to see how your team evolves, adapts and changes and how you as an individual participate in that change.