Group Presentation and the Group Meetings - Essay Example

? Group Analysis Group Analysis The group analysis paper is written to assess and disclose what one has learned, about oneself and about one’s group during the past weeks of working together. In the paper the personal reflection would focus on: (a) my own participation and communication in a small group; and (b) the group’s overall communication during the project. In reflecting on the group’s experience regarding the work as a whole, our group communication went very well. At the beginning it was very difficult for me as international student to adapt with the group; but later on, I was able to communicate effectively with the members. I loved my group and I think they were very supportive and helpful with me. Of the lessons on developing listening skills, I honestly believe that the talking stick that was provided was very helpful. It enhanced my listening skills to focus primarily on the speaker. At this university, I worked with two groups prior to this group; but I would say that my listening skills were most exemplified with this group. I have acknowledged all the group members’ opinions and I was therefore able to appreciate what I learned from them. Later on, we threw the stick in the middle and we started communicating with each other without its need. We realized that we learned to respect and listen attentively to each other without using the talking stick. With regards to discovering the controversial topic of the second Council session, when I first saw this topic, my initial reaction was that this topic would not be very beneficial for me. I really did not like the topic. I was and I am still completely against the legalization of gay marriages. Through the group’s discussion, new and innovative ideas emerged. The discussion did not persuade me to change my opinion; but some logical arguments were presented about the issue. For example, Coyle Rebecca said to me that the USA is a free land and everybody is given the opportunity and the freedom to do speak and act according to one’s will. Regarding the group presentation and the group meetings during which we prepared the presentation, honestly, it was difficult for me to inter-relate with the group. Only later did I collaborate and actively participate in group activities. I was the opinion specialist. Even in the presentation, I suggested ideas for the group presentation. If I had a chance of doing a project of the same requirements again, I will try my best to contribute more effectively in the group. I realized that only through a collaborative and participative environment, would the group achieve its defined goals. We acknowledge that a crucial part of group development is leadership. In our experience, we did not formally assign a group leader. We understood each other; but we agreed to designate Coyle Rebecca as a leader to collect our papers and register a study room for us. But in general, there was no specific leader that directed the group to do something or organize the discussion. In retrospect, I believe we could have done better in preparing for the presentation. If my group focused on how the presentation can be managed, we could have done much better that what we did. Through a consensus, we arranged our meetings very well and agreed that every member was responsible for addressing one question. We appropriately prepared for the presentation by timing ourselves to determine the amount of time needed to respond to the questions. During the presentation, the time was shorter than the 30 minutes minimum stipulated time. Afterwards, I said to them that we should have added more ideas for a more effective presentation. One of the students said that at least we are not failing and the remark annoyed me. I hope the professor would discern the individual’s efforts within the group, in addition to grading us as a group. I would say that we were so cohesive and it contributed to facilitation of achieving group goals. We exchange jokes and phone numbers. We encouraged open communication without being shy or apprehensive. We understood each other and our relationship was great. Our cohesiveness was positive and negative at the same time. The positive side is that we are very relaxed when we communicate with each other. We share different views effectively. There is a positive bond between the members of the group. The negative side is that we did not get things done within the time frame. I believe that we were very slow in planning for the presentation because focus on other fun activities, rather than on the needed tasks that should have been delegated. The only conflict that was apparent was the barrier in language. Sometimes when members speak very fast, I failed to completely understand. In addition, the slow pace within which the assignment went through annoyed me. I handled it by reminding the members to stick to the plan and to observe the tasks that were needed to be achieved. I think I loved the way we cared for each other. At the end, we realized that more than a group, we are also a family. I am also satisfied with our time management. The respect that was established makes us happy and is therefore regarded as worthwhile. On the contrary, one of the aspects that was unsatisfactory was the way we managed our presentation. Further, we sometimes run out of ideas; but I believe that this could happen in every group. I learned many important things from the experience such as acknowledging that everybody is entitled to one’s opinion. At times, people think that his or her ideas are always right; but that is not true. By listening to the views of others, one could validate whether the arguments were indeed correct or not. I also learned that I should listen more than I speak to give other members the chance to express their views and perspectives. Likewise, I learned that respect is crucial in a relationship. It should be a symbiotic process. Finally, I learned the value of being open minded to encourage innovative ideas and appreciate that by thinking outside the box, new information and learning is absorbed. Read More