Please respond to THREE of my peers. Individually provide feedback, or additional information to what they have said. Jeremy Rogers said: I grew up in a high conversation orientation family. Partly because I grew up with a single mother and it was only the two of us, but also because she was a very good mother who cared about how I was being raised. Her and I had conversations about everything. She taught me some lessons about money before I had the chance to screw it up. I feel that being a young man who was raised by only his mother, you don’t always fully ‘open up’. Some things are just not what you want to talk to your mom about. If I had to pick one of the four family types I grew up in, I would say it was a pluralistic family. As I mentioned, we had conversations, but she did not try to control my every move or decision. She let me be myself and learn some things the hard way. My mother worked full time and took night classes to obtain her master’s degree. She always managed to have dinner ready and made sure we sat together to eat. There weren’t many days where we did not sit down at the table to eat. Many good conversations and teaching/learning moments happened at the dinner table. As I got older and involved with sports and after school activities, the nightly dinners became fewer but she tried to make sure we ate together as often as possible. That was really our time to talk about anything and everything. I am raising my children similar to how I was raised. I would say I am raising them in a pluralistic family also. I try to make sure we eat a few meals together each week. We talk about or days and whatever else needs to be discussed. At one point we had a mason jar full of papers with conversation starters. We called it table talk and it actually helped keep conversations going on days where there wasn’t much to talk about. It also started some new, interesting conversations. I also allow them to be themselves, within reason. I will step in if I don’t like an out fit my daughters have on or if they could get themselves hurt. Life lessons are important for children. It stinks as a parent to see your child hurting, but the lesson they learned may be very valuable. Amber Pope said: The father and son had a very interesting dynamic. While the father was a wonderful human being, his conversation style with his son was a low conversation style. He did not communicate his intentions with his son. He was elusive with his interactions and conversations with his son. In the end the father’s actions spoke volumes, but it was too late. The son missed out because of his father’s lack of conversation. The family was a protective family dynamic with low conversation and high conformity. The son was obedient. The father made the decisions and did not feel the need to include the son as to why the decisions were made. Again, he just gave him half of the information, he was not completely transparent with his son. My family upbringing was a high conversation orientation. We talked a lot about everything; however my parents made the final decision. My parents did not value outside relationships and outside opinions. A consensual family homes. Its interesting because my husband was raised by a single mom and they were a low conversation, high conformity household. Our upbringings were very different. We had to really come together to agree on how we would raise our children. I think as far as my kids are concerned now, we are a high conversation family. We discuss things and value the opinion of our kids. However, we also have the final say. It will be what we deem best. So we are a consensual family home too. Brian Barnett said: My family and I engage in low conversation orientation. We do not really discuss openly about family issues that arise. Conversations are usually restricted to only conversations that do not cause issues or drama. If an issue comes up, family tends to sweep it under the rug and not discuss it. This is not the way my wife was raised and she struggles with this. If there is an issue, she wants to openly discuss and deal with it. This has caused some issues with family members before. My family and I engage in high conformity orientation. We were expected to go to church each Sunday and Wednesday. We were expected to attend school and graduate high school. We were expected to follow the rules at my parent’s house and not get in trouble, but if we did not, nothing was send much. Drama and confrontation were avoided at all costs. Even today, if someone is mad, they just don’t come around. They never talk about it or discuss the issue. They just disappear. I was raised in protective family communication pattern. We were expected to follow the rules and not question the way we were raised. There was no option other than going to church and going to school. Excuses were not allowed. My current family (myself, wife, and daughter) are an example of consensual family communication pattern. We are very communicative and discuss issues that arise. We also believe in following rules. We want our daughter to be polite and kind to everyone. We want her to follow directions that are given and give respect. That is important to us.

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.