Self Evaluation
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Self Evaluation
Introduction
Group work entails cooperative learning and formation of teamwork among members of different backgrounds, origins, characters and personalities in order to achieve a common goal and develop knowledge and generic skills. Through generic skills, communication abilities, collaboration mechanisms, critical thinking enhancements and attitudes are meant to prosper with successful culture and understanding among all the members. In order for all the above mechanisms to prevail in the setting, group dynamics have to be factored in like the need for improved communication practices, formation through common understanding and appreciation, improvement on group climates, critical decision-making process and evaluation of the effectiveness. With the classroom setting, the initial phase of group realization and formation is the difficult task but over time, the essence is built with cultivated culture as means to obtain the target. Having been in my class group, I feel my overall grade after evaluation is B.
Discussion
Our class teacher had divided the members into groups of six each. The dedicated task was to enable discussion and research on assignments throughout the semester, conduct collaborative efforts in all the group undertakings dedicate time for project approval and eventually avail the results for evaluation at the end of the semester. Evaluation would require personalized report according to member participation in the group, overall contribution, and feedback from the members and in look of the project. As a guide to the learning avenue, roles within the groups, skill development and participation, all form the criteria for personalized evaluation apart from the input from the teacher. The parameters had to be considered before arriving at the final grade on evaluation of an individual basis.
Communication
In the group, I feel have deserved the overall grade B- in communication and its effectiveness in general. Throughout the weeks of group meetings, I have tried to share my suggestions, ideas, implementation techniques and comments regarding the topic in discussion. I was the initiator of conversations especially on means of improving the efficiency as a group while orchestrating the required corrections. I commend myself on the available demonstration skills that I displayed when figurative expressions were required while maintaining the standards of the group at such a level. However, I failed in ensuring that I did not interject others before they had their turns, while I occasionally drifted from the discussion’s tasks. The above limited my better grading in communication, especially with the time limit and demands of other academic nature.
Effective communication in a group ranges on behavior and actions undertaken by the team members during the process. Despite time required to practice and improve over time, pointers exist to enhanced modes, which should be used. Communication requires the ability to listen to others and making sense of their views before any response. Verbal and non-verbal behaviors should be official and not demeaning to other members when they have their turns (McKinlay and Ross, 2008). Clarifying statements should be encouraged while deliberating and discussing the main ideas of a given task. A group member should also offer feedback incase clarification is needed for clarity and common understanding. Simplistic dialogues can help members agree on common ideas rather than a single individual directing.
Communication requires participation of all the members in equal opportunities, despite the level of knowledge and skill on the task. The thoughts, ideas and perceptions hold substance, just as much as everyone else does. Oliphant (2011) argue that all members are entitled to use verbal and non-verbal communication skills in responses, keeping the discussions on task and deliberation. There should be no pushing of one’s agenda at the expense of another or overall requirements. There should be respectful disagreement after engagement and extension on principles rather than personality differences. Heathfield (2013) notes that involvement is vital in the group efforts as regards communication and requires patience as well as time to develop. Over the course of group work, encouragement through communication can help achieve this and fostering trust among the members. Eliciting of viewpoints should be universal through free will.
Role
In the group, I was an assistant head and leader of the group meetings. I was responsible for clarifying on the meeting dates, time, venue and agenda for each time we met. In addition to y role, I had to write down the meetings of each meeting for reference and store keeping as well as offer copies to each member. According to the initial agreement by the members on the meeting venues and time punctuality, a pre-stated notification had to be availed to all members incase of absenteeism. Over the course of the semester, I failed to attend a single meeting due to illness, though I had not exempted myself as agreed. Overall, according to the evaluation I deserve a grade B+ on this category.
The roles of members in each group are vital for the success and effectiveness required for its operation. Apart from the leader, each member should hold a position for equitable and harmonious co-existence. Respect should be universal and maintained. Ideal groups should base the roles on strengths and weaknesses of each individual member without discrimination (Munjal and Rathore, 2010). The roles can be distinguished as functional according to the task or cerebral, regarding the orientation to other members. All the agreed rules and requirements should be adhered to at all times without exemption due to the roles. With such an environment, the group can achieve its targets with a disciplined membership ad common understanding. Similarly, enhanced leadership determines the direction of the group.
Participation
In the evaluation of my participation within the group, overall input and skills determined a grade A. I believe over time I had changed the perception of participation by all members, as they felt entitled in an equal basis. Upon completion of the project, I also did motivation on future endeavors based on the group due to the teamwork formed and promotion of understanding culture among members. Participation entails availing of skills by all members to the benefit of the group goals. Similarly, conflict resolution and mediation efforts should strengthen the group’s fabric over the course. Increased building of trust and relationship of a working nature should be encouraged despite the personality differences and levels of participation.
Conclusion
Effective
group work demands an enabling culture and environment in order to succeed.
Group work entails cooperative learning and formation of teamwork among members
of different backgrounds, origins, characters and personalities in order to
achieve a common goal and develop knowledge and generic skills. With improved
participation, common understanding, role differentiation and effective
communication, the group can succeed in its goals. According to my evaluation
on gained learning, skills deployed and participation in the group, I deserve a
grade B in the overall. Improvement has to be effected in communication,
distinction of roles and management of different personalities.
References:
Heathfield, S. (2013) How to Build a Teamwork Culture. Human Resources Journal, 1, 1-3.
McKinlay, L., & Ross, H. (2008). You and others: Reflective practice for group effectiveness in human services. Toronto: ON: Pearson Canada Inc.
Munjal, S., & Rathore, H. (2010). Human resource management. New Delhi: vayu Education of India.
Oliphant, K. (2011). Teacher Development Groups: Growth through Cooperation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 1(2), 67-86.