Communication

Reaction Paper In this assignment regarding belonging or involvement in two different kinds of groups, I was able to experience some similar and others varying characteristics of interaction with others and the self. The first group is belonging to a community of students where we learners go to school, follow some general rules like regular or daily attendance in classes, of doing what students do inside the classroom like listening to the teacher, taking down notes for some important information, join extra-curricular activities, and the like.
The other group is the mountaineering club I joined which is campus-based but conducts its activities, of course, outside the campus, trekking mountains, camping, and discovering nature.
1 How did the two groups differ with regard to group roles, cohesiveness, norms, and leadership
As for roles, my belonging to a group of students is more formal, since I have to register, submit legal documents, adhere to school rules and regulations, and follow most of the school administration’s agenda in order to achieve a certain goal with regards to my formal education. My limitation is that to being a student, thereby I interact mostly with my fellow students and do the same activities with them, and cannot, therefore, jump beyond as that of a teacher or instructor. The instructors and administrators serve as leaders and we look up on them.
Although the mountaineering club I joined in was campus-based, thereby allowed and sanctioned by the school administration, the role of the club is more informal, where I just have to enlist and join a meeting or two, join the initiation activities, and may opt to join other activities or not. In this group, I may become a leader if I strive to, or just be a plain member, or quit being a member any time. In school, I was able to develop friendship with a class seatmate but when I stayed longer with my mountaineering club, I noticed that I also formed a group I stuck around with even after mountain trekking and school activities. In mountaineering activities, I also stick with this group (of five) and we get to help one another in most activities that developed our closeness which is reflected in our weekend activities like going to the beach, discovering nearby museums, and playing new online video games.
In most instances, the state of my school attendance and relationship would be reflected permanently on my person, as when choosing a career or employment. I would need to specify what my highest educational attainment was, whereas my membership in a mountaineering club could serve as an additional credential, although not at all times.
2Which experience challenged you the most and why Give your own example.
The most challenging experience I ever had was when I have to cope up with a failing mark in one of my school subjects. I really did not perform well in that subject and the fact that I was a slow learner on that subject made matters worse. Most of my classmates were doing well in most subjects so I was challenged to study harder, take tutorials and do my best to get a pass.
3Which experience was mot comfortable and why Give your own example.
A very comfortable experience, although not necessarily easy but considered as fun and enjoyable was when we scaled a mountain and I already developed friendship with my mountaineer group. It was physically and strategically challenging to go up and down those steep rocky mountain sides but the exhilaration was more from joy of accomplishment, cooperation and in helping one another in the group. There was unity and friendship, so I was very comfortable with it.
4How do you personally distinguish between group communication and team communication
Group communication is quite informal as being a student, I can talk easily with my school friends without having to be conscious about grammar, correct diction, or even the way I look. Even the school things I bring or carry in my bag are of no matter to me as a student. I was relaxed and very comfortable with friends at school. Although I get to be formal with school leaders as teachers, my fellow students were quite ordinary like me.
As with a team, in the beginning of my membership in the mountaineer club, I limited my inquiries and use of words to the words I hear from my team mates. I had to learn a lot in order to cope and feel that I already ” belong”. To be accepted in my team, I made sure that I learn what they know, experience what they already had, and acquaint myself with mountaineer gears and get-up.
Reference:
Beebe, Steve, Susan J. Beebe, and Diana K. Ivy. ” Communication: Principles for a Lifetime,” Second Edition. Allyn & Bacon; 2 edition. May 19, 2003.