Homework 3 ( A question revisited) Name and ID# _____________________________________________________________________ Use your book. Identify the main communication issue(s). In this case, I direct you to Chapter 5. Usually I leave the choice up to you, but you’ve seen this topic already and I want you to focus on it in a different way. 4-5 Marks 2-3 Marks Answer shows both accurate Answer shows accurate recall of recall and ability to interpret and information, but little or no apply the concept(s) and interpretation is made vocabulary -answer appears to be – evidenced by originality, memorized or copied, examples and paraphrasing vocabulary too general 1 Mark 0 Marks Answer shows partial recall or partial understanding Answer does not reflect understanding of the concept or the vocabulary needed to discuss the question – answer is incomplete or not focused on the right area Shotgun approach may be seen Situation: You gave a speech in front of an audience of high school students. In your speech, you used a lot of jargon from your Major. You also used some euphemisms and even some profanity. You later discover some spelling and grammar errors on your Power Point slides. The audience was not very polite to you – and it was mostly your fault… Focus on Chapter 5 in your answer. There is more than one issue you can choose. COM 201 Chapter 5 Study Guide (Rev 191) MP Listening and Critical Thinking When you have read and thought about this chapter, you will be able to: ‘Discuss three reasons why Listening is so important in our lives ‘Devine and describe various types of listening ‘Analyze how noise, perceptions, and your own characteristics can influence the listening process ‘Use critical thinking, nonverbal and verbal strategies to become a better listener ‘Adapt strategies for effective listening to specific situations, including the workplace, the classroom, and in mediated environments i.e. TV, the internet, social media, etc. ‘Engage in ethical listening behaviors 1. The Importance of Listening 2. Defining Listening, Listening vs. hearing, (definition p. 93), Active Listening, Empathic Listening, Critical Listening 3. The Process of Listening / Attention (selective and Automatic) 4. Memory / Working Memory, Short-term Memory, Long-term Memory, Schema 5. Barriers to Listening (see Table 1 on p. 97) ‘Noise barriers (physical and mental distractions, multi-tasking… ‘Perception of Others (relative status, stereotypes, sights and sounds) ‘Yourself (egocentrism, defensiveness, personal bias, PSEUDO-LISTENING) 6. Ways to Become Better at Listening ‘Recognize Differences between people (see Table 2 on p. 99) ‘Listen and THINK Critically (p. 100) critical thinking, source credibility, observations vs inferences, 1st person vs 2nd-person observations ‘Use nonverbal and verbal skills as you listen (p 101-104) 7. Listening in the Workplace (p. 105) Listening is critically important at all levels in the workplace ‘Communication with colleagues ‘Communication between Management and Employees ‘Communication with customers and clients 8. Listening in the Classroom -Lecture Listening (definition on p. 106) ‘Watch for Lecture Cues = (verbal and nonverbal signals from the teacher) see Table 3 on p. 107. ‘If you take notes in class, you will already be watching for them. ‘Provide verbal and nonverbal feedback to the teacher ‘Anticipate what is coming next (skim and scan the chapter before class…) 9. Listening to the Media (including the web) ‘Information Literacy (definition on p. 107-8) ‘Be aware. Use critical thinking skills to evaluate the source and the information. 10. Ways to be an Ethical Listener (p. 109) Important Vocabulary: Active listening Critical Thinking Hearing Lecture Listening Long-term Memory Selective Attention Source Credibility Automatic attention Empathic Listening Information Literacy Listening (definition) Schema Short-term Memory Working Memory Critical Listening 1st-Person Observation Lecture Cues Enjoyment Listening 2nd-Person Observation Social Media Listening Chapter 5 Listening and Critical Thinking Distribute study guide Text and notebook ? When we finish this chapter, you will be able to: ‘1. Discuss three reasons why listening is so important our lives ‘2. Define and describe types of listening as processes ‘3. Analyze how noise, perceptions, and your own characteristics influence the process of listening ‘4. Use critical thinking, nonverbal and verbal strategies to become a better listener ‘5. Adapt strategies for effective listening to specific situations -workplace, classroom, mediated environments (social media…) ‘6. Engage in ethical listening behaviors Why is Listening so important to us? ‘1. It is our most common communication activity. ‘According to research with college students, about 44% of their communication is listening, 25% speaking, 13% reading, 11% writing, 7% other. ‘See Figure 1 on p. 92) ‘2. Listening helps us build and maintain relationships with others -‘Parents ‘Spouse ‘Children ‘Friends ‘Classmates ‘… ‘3. Listening is also recognized as an essential skill for business success Good listening skill in the workplace leads to: ‘Better decisions ‘Reducing misunderstandings ‘More productivity ‘Satisfaction ‘… Listening is… ‘The active process of receiving, interpreting and responding to verbal and nonverbal messages. ‘We give our Attention (either Selective or Automatic) ‘It also involves the ability to retain information and react empathically and/or appreciatively to these messages ‘Listening and Hearing are not the same thing. Types of Listening (p. 93) ‘Active Listening = listening with a purpose = Listening carefully by using all available senses = paraphrasing mentally and verbally= checking understanding and giving feedback… It includes the following: ‘Empathic Listening -trying to understand the other person’s viewpoint and feelings ‘Critical Listening -challenging the speaker’s message, evaluating both accuracy and utility of the message and on the contents of the message) Listening for Enjoyment Not all listening has to be hard mental work. Listening for Enjoyment can be relaxing or fun. We often use sound as a background for other activities. It helps reduce stress and can even reduce pain for hospital patients. PSEUDO Listening -pretending to listen but your mind is elsewhere….. Attention ‘Two types: (p. 94) ‘Selective Attention -when we make a choice to focus on something we think is important Ex: We choose to focus on our mobile phone, or on the lesson ‘Automatic Attention -when we react to an emergency or surprise without thinking Ex: You are swimming in the Red Sea … suddenly someone screams ‘SHARK!’ Ex: Someone knocks on our classroom door and comes in -we all look at him… Retaining Information Short-Term memory (p. 95-96) ‘Temporary storage place in the mind ‘Limited space (capacity) ‘Limited time (about 20 seconds -unless you practice…) Long-Term memory (p. 96) ‘Permanent storage ‘Organized by SCHEMA Schema ‘Long-term memory is organized by Schema -like a ‘filing system’ for memory. (p. 96) ‘Pieces of information are connected to other pieces. One piece ‘reminds us’ of another piece… ‘The more information you have in long-term memory, the more connections you can make Ex: Learning vocabulary helps your speaking, spelling and writing skills improve… Working Memory ‘Working memory is the part of our mind that interprets and assigns meaning to things we perceive (p. 95) ‘Working memory compares new input with stored long-term memories -recognizes patterns, looks for short-cuts, …it’s quick ‘Very important in language-learning ‘and Remember Closure? … Barriers To Listening Many factors can make Listening difficult (p. 97) ””Noise -(physical or mental distractions) Multitasking (which is a type of noise) Factual and Semantic distractions Perception Of Others- (status, stereotypes, sights and sounds, prejudice) ‘Yourself –(Egocentrism, Experiential Superiority, Personal Bias, Defensiveness) ‘Pseudo-Listening (just pretending to listen) Ways To Improve Recognize that people listen differently (p. 99) Think Critically Critical thinking involves analyzing the speaker (or other source) the situation, as well as the message -as mentioned before. Consider: Is this source qualified? Do I trust this source? Are these Observations, or Inferences? Is the speaker giving First-Person or SecondPerson observations? (= Source Credibility) Ways To Improve 2 Use Nonverbal Communication Effectively (see p. 102-103 for full list and details) ‘Demonstrate bodily responsiveness ‘Use direct bodily orientation ‘Use positive, responsive facial expressions and movements ‘Sit or stand close to the speaker ‘Provide supportive utterances Use Verbal Communication Effectively As a listener, include verbal feedback (p. 103-4) ‘Invite additional comments ‘Ask questions ‘Mention (identify) areas of agreement or common experience -if any ‘Provide descriptive, non-evaluative responses ‘Avoid complete silence (it could be perceived as not-caring) Listening in the Workplace ‘About 80% of the (U.S.) workforce in serviceoriented industries (education, healthcare, retail sales, governmental agencies) -ALL of these require employee-customer interaction ‘Listening skills increased revenue ($$$) ‘Managers and workers all depend on Listening skills to do their jobs Listening in the Classroom ‘Lecture Listening = The ability to listen to, mentally process, and recall lecture information (p. 106) ‘Lecture Cues -signals that the teacher is changing topics or making an important point Listening to Media ‘Information Literacy = The ability to recognize when information is needed, and the ability to locate, evaluate, and use this information appropriately’How do you know if a source (website or ? ) is reliable or not? (Does it have a .gov or .edu file extension?) Is the content believable? ‘Does it have working web links? Is it updated? ‘If you Google the author, is he/she ‘for real’? Listening to the Media 2 ‘Recognize that media can be biased ‘Bias = favor for ONE side = (not impartial) ‘Use critical thinking when forming your opinions -recognize that some things you hear or read might not be accurate. Be an Ethical Listener (p. 109) ‘Recognize the sources of your own conversational habits ‘Monitor yourself -you may be using poor listening behaviors ‘Apply general ethical principles when you respond ‘Adapt to others ‘-end- Purchase answer to see full attachment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.