Group Behavior Project

#5 Group Behavior Project – (It would be a good idea to get a head start working on this project)

Effective educators must identify and understand the dynamics of human interaction among a group. Qualitative research holds the key to this discovery. This assignment is designed to investigate key components of communication within the group context, discover how culture shapes communication, and describe ways to ethically connect and communicate with diverse student populations.

First, you will select a group to observe for at least 15 minutes. This group may be in a school, social or community, or ANOTHER SETTING. You may view a group of characters from a television show or movie. Some students have chosen, The Office, Community, Parks and Rec, etc. Record your field-notes on the Group Behavior Field-Notes form attached. You may need to make more than one copy of the form. Do not use video or audio to record the behavior. The field-notes will be critical in effectively analyzing the group behavior. Next, write a 5 to 6-page analysis based on your observations. Use 12-point Times New Roman with standard margins. Be sure to follow the format below and answer each question completely. Use APA guidelines and proof your work correctly. A title page is required. The grading rubric is attached and included in the syllabus. Your paper will include the following sections.

Title Page

Use APA format to create a cover page for your paper. Title Page requirements_APA.docxDownload Title Page requirements_APA.docx

Introduction

Discuss why verbal and non-verbal communication is important to the field of education. Identify and describe the group you observed, including size, setting, purpose, and demographics (gender, age, ethnicity, exceptionalities, etc.).

For the following sections, use the headings in bold font in your paper. Then describe what you discovered for each form of communication.

Nov-verbal Behaviors

Observe the group and note the non-verbal behaviors of the group members. Describe the variety of behaviors you observe, and categorize them according to the components and codes that were discussed in class and in your text.

Group Dynamics

Based on observations made of the group, what key issues affect group communication and effectiveness? Should include various roles played, group size, group dynamics, group purpose, etc. Should include communication strategies observed and describe ways to connect and communicate with a diverse student population in your future classroom.

Listening

Do members of the group engage in active listening and conversations skills? Use examples from the group. Explain how developing active listening and conversational skills will prepare you for a career in teaching.

Culture

Does the group exhibit any cultural traits and tendencies? Are there factors that would be barriers to full participation of all members? Use examples. Discuss the issue of becoming a culturally competent educator and what factors or barriers are pertinent to understanding various cultures in the classroom. List strategies you will apply as a teacher to ethically connect and communicate with a diverse student population.

Gender

Observe the group during one session and note exchanges and interactions by gender. Who speaks more, who interrupts more, who interacts with the leader more, etc.? What are the implications of creating a gender-neutral classroom?

Leadership

Who is the leader of the group, both the official and unofficial leader? What is her/his leadership style? Evaluate your leadership style and discuss how the knowledge of leadership roles will help you enhance communication strategies for successful leadership in the classroom.

Conclusions

How do these factors contribute to better communication and effective teaching? Explain how your knowledge of communication, technology, and the barriers to communicating will prepare you for teaching 21st century skills to students.

Field-notes

Attach your field-notes to the back of your paper.

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