Time Well Spent

What an amazing journey we are accomplishing!  Finally doing it, for some of us we ran through this program quickly.  Others, we casually accomplished each class full of work and growth.  The point is that we have each finished.  I'm expecting this arrangement of balloons to fall from the sky or a choir to begin their final song when I hit that "send" button turning in my last assignment.  While that probably won't happen, the feeling of accomplishment and success during this journey is evident!

During my time at Walden, I have grown within my professional life.  Learning communication and how to better communicate in tough positions was a course that came at the most perfect time.  I recall having many challenges during that school year, and having coursework that directly related to what I was battling professionally gave me the encouragement and "know how" as to new tactics to use (that worked).  I feel prepared to do more within the early childhood field!  I am leaving this program with the encouragement that I can do it.  I am empowered that I am capable.  Most importantly, I believe it!

Thank you to each colleague that contributed either to postings that I made on the blog or discussion where you wrote responses and those that wrote challenges positions that caused me to research more and find our more details.  These types of experiences and cognitive growth will continue to be strengthened throughout my career!

Dr. Dartt, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom where needed while also asking challenging questions that required me to think "why".  Your direction throughout this course supplied feedback while also allowing us to choose for ourselves instead of forcing a one way thinking, thank you for allowing us to think and grow without forcing opinions on us.  I needed that!

My next goal is National board certification and continuing to develop my training status within the state of West Virginia (STARS Trainer).  Then on to my doctorate.  Life is a forever journey of learning and I do not want it to stop. 

Hoping to stay in contact with you, I was very encouraged when Reem sent an email about the facebook page information.  What a great avenue, that most of us are on daily, to stay connected and encourage each other!  Thanks Reem for thinking ahead and being proactive!  Also Walden has a FB page if you haven't already become a "fan" of their page.

Walden University's Early Childhood FB page

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them

• More Than Me Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started by a Katie Meyler from New Jersey.  This organization empowers girls with education and opportunity in the West Point Slum of Liberia.  Through this organization girls are gaining diplomas, staying out of prostitution, furthering their lives and bettering their community!  Katie was a classmate while at Valley Forge (undergraduate program) and was led by passion to pursue this non profit.  Seeing her fulfill her dreams and making dreams happen for others is amazing.  This organization is about more than just education, but it is about empowering girls to be strong and to give them something more.  I am gifted the ability to have been born an American, with that comes freedoms and responsibilities that many people take advantage of.  Katie is showing that education for girls should be given to all!
• Positions like Assistant Principal, Communications specialist, guest house manager, primary school teacher, school nurse, social worker, keys to success manager, and transitional coach are available now.  Qualifications range from degrees with years of experience but all require an agreement with what More Than Me Foundation stand for.  These positions are very intriguing for me as giving back to communities that are less fortunate have always been on my heart.  If you are interested in a position overseas with an organization that believes in women and a change for little girls, this is one for you!
• INTESOL Worldwide Ltd. is an organization that acts as head hunter for finding educators to travel to other countries (usually Korea is the largest need) to teach either English as a foreign language, English as a second language, or teaching English to speakers of other languages.  These programs usually provide funds for flights (after contract is completed) and offer a decent stipend for the work.  Included in the stipends traditionally is housing (although this could mean sharing a small flat or traditional country's housing with strangers).  The work is rewarding the time away from family is challenging, but the travel and opportunity to experience the world on "holidays" is wonderful! This organization is an asset to people that don't have connections to serve as an educator in another country and enables the contacts to grow in depth.  Having a friend that was affiliated with INTESOL, I saw the many bonuses of giving back in this way.  Awesome opportunities!
• For positions like teachers, most countries require a Masters degree in education and a teaching certificate, but with Korea they are in such a high need that accepting a bachelors degree with one year experience could qualify a person.  Taking a TEFL course to be certified in teaching abroad would also be required.  BUT as a reminder, in places like Korea where these teachers are in such high demand, a bachelors degree would suffice.
• NAFSA "believe that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community." (NAFSA, 2014).  They also believe that "international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all" (NAFSA, 2014).  I think this organization is a dream for someone that wants to surf around and find a great fit for a position internationally or connected internationally.  The search engine is amazing!  I dream all the time through these jobs :)
• There is a career center on this website that offers the ability to search for a position or look through resumes for a great fit to a position you want to hire, either way the search engine offers a load of opportunities.  There is also an "advanced search" option where a person looking at open positions is able to . . . To obtain a position with NAFSA, you need at least a bachelors degree with strong recommendations for a Masters degree in the specialized field.  While some positions may detail that possession of degree can be obtained within a specific amount of time, few are able to gain the position this way.  Positions are offered all around the world. 
  
  

More Than Me Foundation, Inc. (2014) Retrieved August 5, 2014 from:      https://morethanme.org/

NAFSA, Association of International Educators (2014).  Retrieved August 5, 2014 from: http://www.nafsa.org/

INTESOL Worldwide Ltd. (2013) Retrieved August 5, 2014 from: http://www.huntesl.com/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them

• National Association for the Education of the Young Child's (NAEYC) mission is to:

1.    "Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education.

2.    Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education.

3.    Building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children" (NAEYC, n.d.).

Being a part of this organization offers a load of assistance, guidance, research, proved strategies, and a depth of support as a parent, teacher, or child.  NAEYC is more than just a company that offers accreditation for child development center, they are a well oiled machine for the early childhood field!

• Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) is more than Reading Rainbow as we all might remember as a child.  PBS offers parent and teacher supports in the form of trending topics, articles, and give aways.  They offer information on Common Core, standards separated by age and subject.  Really helpful information as a new teacher, experienced teacher, or anyone looking to gain more knowledge!

• International Society for Technology in Education offers communities of practice for those within the educational field to connect in the area of technology within the classroom.  Offering seminars, online discussions, communities for connecting, and a whole collaboration to involve technology more within the classroom setting and understand the benefits for the classroom, children, and parents.  

• Education Oasis, I love this site because it offers a list of organizations for educators to use and categorizes them by topics.  If you need help with questions, are wondering about trending issues, or just want to search around at sites on a specific topic, this is an awesome site to do so!

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

• Teach for America focuses on sending quality educated teachers into inner cities or high poverty areas.  They believe that highly educated teachers can make a quality impact on students to make a change for their future that would take them out of low income poverty areas as adults.  Recognized by FORTUNE and LATINA STYLE magazine as one of the top 100 companies to work for, Teach for America offers benefits packages and a rewarding position as a teacher.  They "admit those individuals who show the most potential to succeed in high-need classrooms" (Teach for America, 2014).  Having skills like drive, potential, desire to make a change, commitment, and a proven record of high academics and volunteer work are musts.

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has a position open right now for a Program manager.  Within this position the person is responsible to develop, integrate, and organize grants within the program.  They are also responsible to assist in collecting and organizing for program evaluations while organizing professional development opportunities as well.  This position also manages the budget within the program.  Qualifications include Bachelors degree (prefer Masters) and 5+ years of experiences in program management, strong organizational skills, work as a team and also independently, written and verbal skills, and the ability to use technologies.

• National Council of Teachers of English has offices located in Illinois, Washington, D.C., and California and has a position as a program support specialist.  This position would support council leaders within their specified group, act as a liaison between council board members and their administrative supports, maintain records and also monitor grants.  This position would require a Bachelor’s degree in English, Education or Business and experience with grants, collaborating in a social network scene, administration, and designing presentations/articles.

·         

Education Oasis (2014). Retrieved July 24, 2014 from www.educationoasis.com

National Association for the Education of the Young Child (n.d.).  Retrieved July 22, 2014 from    www.naeyc.org

Public Broadcasting Services (2014).  Retrieved July 22, 2014 from www.pbs.org

Teach for America (2014). Retrieved July 22, 2014 from www.teachforamerica.org

International Society for Technology in Education (2014). Retrieved July 24, 2014 from www.iste.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice:

·         WVU Extension services offers additional support for educators, parents, the community, and additional professionals. This also includes 4H clubs and other family consumer sciences.  This extension office has helped me within the classroom setting by supplying personnel to come to my classroom and teach healthy eating habits, healthy dental care and cleanliness, and the importance of a garden.  As an adult educator, this is a great tool to suggest to educators as their programs are free and incredible! http://jefferson.ext.wvu.edu/

·         Birth to Three "Growing Together" is an incredible asset to early childhood teachers.  This program offers free assistance for children that fall behind within cognitive and physical development milestones.  Personally we are involved with them for my son and I strongly believe in them! The web address attached is for the WV locations but I'm sure there are separate sites for your state or community.  http://www.wvdhhr.org/birth23/

·         American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) is a site full of information that supports adult education.  There is also a section for "Interest Groups" that supplies 29 special interest groups to support their members.  GREAT site!  http://www.aaace.org/

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest me with skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill the role:

·         Kindergarten teacher within Jefferson County Schools.  While I teach the Universal Pre K, and LOVE it; my daughter is now entering Kindergarten and I want to be at the school she is at (and soon my son).  Teaching Kindergarten would enable me to be at their school for at least 5 years.  Another great bonus is that there are adult education classes that I would be able to teach in the evenings through the county.  Being employed at the Elementary school would give me priority for teaching them as well.  http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/Page/925

·         Shepherd University has openings for student teacher organizers, this person is in charge of collaborating with the local public or private schools to enlist their student teachers positions for the upcoming semesters.  This person might also be involved in observing the student teachers during their time at the schools.  Requirements, Masters degree in field and 5 years experience working within the field of observation.  http://www.shepherd.edu/hrweb/

·         West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources is always looking for capable educators to assist in teaching their courses for adult and high school level students.  ACDS classes give students enough credits to gain a position as an aide or assistant within a head start, pre k, or lead teacher within a day care setting position.  Experience needed is  http://www.wvearlychildhood.org/WV_STARS_Trainer_Information.html

EDUC - 6990-7, Capstone - Practical Application in the Early Childhood Field

Hello class!  Looking forward to an awesome 8 weeks and our graduation soon!

Have you signed up for graduation yet?  I'm about to go and do so, THRILLED!

Let's do this!

EDUC 6165-6, Final Post

These last 8 weeks have been encouraging as we shared in experiences both difficulties and triumphs as it relates to communication.  Thank you to each person that assisted in challenging discussions and helped share personal stories that made each of us learn and grow from.  I hope that as I enter my final 8 weeks of classes that there are colleagues that I will continue to grow with from this course as well as that enter with the same level of concern and participation.  It is what makes this style of learning the most effective.  Thank you!

Is there anyone else in the "Educating Adults in Early Childhood" field? 

Posting our email address on a public forum is not my usual practice.  Here is my strategy to avoid spam mail. :)  Hope you can decipher it.

My name is Shelly Eldridge

firstname.lastname@gmail.com

When I Think of Research... EDUC 6163-6

·         What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

While research was always a daunting task, it isn't any longer.  Throughout this course, I have learned different strategies and techniques to use to ensure the validity and structure of my work will be worth it. 

·         In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

I have never been scared to speak in public, this course has helped me to loosen my nerves when I am doing the research for a topic or study.  While I am still learning proper terms and how to word questions appropriately, the task of doing research has a more defined role than what it was before taking this course. 

·         What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

Ensuring the validity has been reached.  Through different strategies, techniques, and processes; making sure that the work has been well thought out and structured will make for actually doing the research a lot easier.  Examining the benefits and the challenges along the way in order to be prepared for them if they may arise, especially the challenges.

·         What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

Hands down the hardest part of this course was to understand how to properly word the questions and thought process of the "research study" we were preparing.  I became so overwhelmed in the project that I thought we were actually doing it . . . I even met with leaders within my county for assistance in the research project.  While I gathered resources, data, and other items for this "project" I gained a wealth of knowledge of communication and terms to use along the way.  Those that helped me along the way were a major asset to understanding more about how to do the research project.  I was intimidated [might still be] at the thought of doing a big research project!

·         What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

Professionals are more than just a person with a degree to stand behind.  A professional understands their position, their influence, and their eternal impact within the early childhood field and lives of those that they reach.  My perception of a professional has gained more respect for their level of education and the path they took to reach it.  Also quality of knowledge that a professional attains in order to stay up to date on research topics and new techniques/strategies is a must in order to stay most up to date for the children and families in which they are a part of reaching.

Huge thank you to each of my colleagues that assisted in encouraging me, challenging me, and helping me along on this journey of research.  We've all grown and did it together!  What an accomplishment!  Thank you!  Only a few more classes before the capstone, we're almost there!

Teamwork, EDUC 6165-6

There was a team that I was a part of this past summer.  While I have been and led teams of this kind on many occasions, this team was different.  To begin, this was the first team that I would lead of its size.  38 people in total would be traveling together and we would meet up with 3 while in Costa Rica.  The main difference in this team and others, the level of unity we had.  We were busy in Costa Rica, every minute we had something planned.  Each evening we would have a "breakdown" session where we would discuss what we did that day as well as hear about what would be happening the following day.  As the leader, it was my job to ensure everyone knew what was happening and what their expectations were.  Our entire time in Costa Rica we didn't have disagreements.  There were no fights among our group.  We were able to be great encouragers to each other as well as our purpose behind the trip.

It was hard leaving this group.  It was hard because there were strong friendships that were made within our group of people and those that we were working with.  We had a purpose and expectations that were clearly stated and I believe were met while we were there and continue to be reached even though we are not there any longer.  We worked effectively and grew tremendously with each other!

When my time with Walden University is complete, I can imagine that there will be professional relationships that would be built that I wish would continue.  The encouragement and idea exchange is an awesome attribute when growing and maturing with others as we have done throughout this coursework.   

Adjourning within group work is essential as it enables the team to evaluate their successes and their areas of improvement.  During this stage of team work, the project that the team had been working on should be completed and the task is closing.  At times during this stage, the group decides they no longer want to meet or they decide some changes need to be made within the setting and altar areas in order to make it more effective.  In any reason, adjourning is essential as it enables evaluation in order to maintain effectiveness.  Ultimately if a group is ineffective then alterations need to occur; which would happen during this stage as well.

Managing Conflict in Relationships - EDUC 6165-6

·         Think about any disagreements, or conflicts, you have recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in your personal life. Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict?

When you're married, or honestly when you spend a large amount of time with anyone there are bound to be disagreements.  And if there are not, then there is a strong possibility that someone isn't telling the truth or is keeping their mouth closed about it.  This week within our home has been stressful.  We have two children, both in graduate school, both are teachers, and this week is our Spring performance for my school as well as I'm in charge of Week of The Young Child at my facility.  I've been stressed at work because of communication barriers between certain teachers within the building and lately it's been more and more often.  Who better to take out these stresses than . . . Yup you guessed it  my husband.  I'm irritable.  I'm cranky.  I've got so much to do.  And everything, every little thing he does bothered me.  Usually this isn't true.  You see, I have one of the most supportive husbands anyone could ask for!  He cleans the bathrooms every weekend, he washes the laundry and puts it away every weekend so that way I can concentrate on school work those days.  He's amazing!   Darell, my husband is a classic escapist.  He avoids conflict at all costs.  He looks the opposite way of confrontation where I steer it in the eyes to end it (or in this case attempt to start it). 

I realized I was being obnoxious, rude, and inappropriate.  When I did, I went to him and apologized and reminded him of how thankful I am for what he does for our family.  How his support means the world to me.  We spoke about how I needed to focus on my issue at hand which was how I had too much on my plate and what could we do together in order to resolve it. 

·         Also, if appropriate, ask your colleagues for their input and advice regarding, if not specific problems, how they have learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills.

(Adapted from O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 246)

Co-worker #1 - Better communication can only happen if all parties involved want to change things.  If only one person does then they will just become more frustrated because they will try and get nowhere since the other one isn't trying at all.

Co-worker #2 - I found sitting down with our Director helps to have a third party look at the problem as a person not involved in it.  Sometimes when I can't find a compromise just listening to myself sound stupid as I debate it with another will make me change my mind.

Co-worker #3 - Usually it's a waste of time because people are too set in their ways.  Learn to deal with it or figure out how to change it.  I just deal with it.

Research Around The World - EDUC 6163-6 Building Research Comp.

As you know from previous courses in the Masters in Early Childhood Studies program, innovative research in the field is happening not only in the United States but all over the world. This Blog Assignment affords you the opportunity to read and think about international early childhood research.

Website chosen is Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria, Canada, this virtual university is the international gateway for early childhood research worldwide found at:  http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

Having visited 5 countries in Africa, I was intrigued to learn a bit more about this organization.

·         What are some of the current international research topics?

Chalamanda (2004) pinpointed 12 thematic areas using the Human Rights Approach to assist in developing a better framework for Early Childhood Development in regards to Orphans and Vulnerable children in association with their National Action Plan (in Malawi):

1. Integrated Early Childhood Development

2. Health

3. Basic Education

4. Child Protection

5. Nutrition and Food Security

6. Water and Environmental Sanitation

7. Gender and Child Care

8. Social Welfare

9. HIV/AIDS

10. Mass Media and Child Participation

11. Leisure and Entertainment

12. Youth and Child Development

Other topics noted within the sites "Country Team Updates" (2002), yes dated but best information I could find for a bigger scene are:

1.    Effects of environmental factors on child development

2.    In-service training of Primary Teachers for lower grades

3.    to spawning community initiated ECCD in neighboring villages, by chiefs who caught a vision

4.    Strengthening of Growth Monitoring through ECD centers but the set machinery  collapsed because the caregivers lost interest in the job due to the following reasons:

a.    Non payment of caregivers salary

b.    Non participation of parents

·         What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

Our nation experiences these same struggles.  While similar poverty levels exist so greatly within our country, many organizations focus their attention on assisting those within more poverty stricken countries.  The networking within the different countries and states from this organization seems well run back when it first began, yet current documents are not present.  There were a total of 16 documents from 2003 to current.  None the less, the topics that were being discussed as concerns are similar to our concerns here in the States.   

·         What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

As mentioned before, something noteworthy that I noticed when viewing this website was the agreement that our country struggles with the same areas that this continent does.  Being able to use international contacts and resources to assist in adjusting our curriculum and help make changes within our quality programs is a huge advantage that not many people are taking advantage of.  I travel the world during my summers helping other countries better their early childhood educational programs, helping parents understand and learn new strategies within their homes, and helping organizations run more smoothly to meet their goals.  I'm sure many people have experienced this realization, but when we each are able to step down from the pedestal that we may be on and understand that there is so much to be gained when helping then our lives are bettered as well.  They become better not because of the good works being done, but instead bettered by realizing in any situation there are life lessons to be learned.  

Chalamanda, Francis R.W. (2004).  Coordinating The Development and Implementation of the 2003 - 2013 National Action Plan (NAP) for Children in Malawi.  Retrieved 5 April 2014. Website: http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Chalamanda%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20UVic%20LP.pdf

Self evaluation with Peer Evaluations; EDUC 6165-6

After taking the evaluations and comparing my results to those of my two peers, I was pleasantly surprised to see that in each of the categories my results were the same as those that assisted in the project and completed the task.

In the listening styles profile, it was said that I am "empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others.  This listening style helps you to build relationships, but it can interfere with proper judgment because you tend to be very trusting of others."  I thought this to be accurate, as I do build relationships quickly by listening and understanding, although I never considered that it would cause a lack of judgment as I believe I am able to listen intently but also decipher between what is factual and what isn't.  Seeing that my two peers had the same responses, I will need to consider this and remove myself from given situations at times and review if this is accurate. 

In the Verbal Aggressiveness test, in all reviews I received the same response.  "You maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for others' viewpoints, and the ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of a position rather than the person holding that position" I am relieved that my peers thought this of me, as I try very hard to be respectful and considerate of their thoughts, opinions, and if I disagree on a topic to disagree on the facts instead of a person's view.  Within my professional life, handling indifferences like this assists in a more healthier work environment.  My struggle at times, within my current employment, is that my knowledge at times is beyond that of others (as I work in a county run program within a child development center.  I am required to hold higher degrees than those that work in the day care side of the facility.  Without putting down their experience and trainings!)  When there are disagreements, tempers flare and emotions are brought into discussions and usually there isn't a resolution instead more hurt feelings and gossip that runs so deep.  Lately, my thought has been "how can I help to make the work place one that people can respect others' views and accept the differences then work from it?"

It's always a great experience to see how others relate and accept your personality.  Being able to accept criticism and decipher what areas in our professional and personal life could use some adjustments will only help to make us each better communicators and people.

Uplifting Research Stories - EDUC 6163-6

Share a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families: Perhaps you can provide real-life examples of research benefits to children and/or families; maybe you are familiar with stories of people who have been positively affected by research; or you came across a published research article concerning children or families which you find exciting and would like to share with your colleagues.

Personal Reflection

I memorized each of the road signs on the highway like the back of my hand by my senior year of college, not from bi-weekly visits home.  But instead by the distance traveled so frequently to see my niece that was passing away from a very rare disorder.  A disorder that would take away the privileges of a mother and father watch their daughter take her first steps, go to Kindergarten, graduate high school, and walk her down the aisle to be married. 

I recall my sister taking her to urgent care when Alie was only 2 months old.  Urgent care rushed her to the ER.  The ER rushed her to Children's Hospital by air.  And within a matter of hours, my sister sat hearing news about her daughter that changed our lives forever.  Her husband, then serving our country in war, heard about it through skype.  Can you imagine?  No, I can't!

At the hospital we were told that Alie would probably not make it to be 3 months old.  It was that moment that life became, do whatever you need to do in order to keep her alive.  Try whatever you need to try to keep her alive.  Through these studies and research trials, Alie lived to be 16 months old.  My senior year of college, I spent 3 months driving home twice a week thinking "this is the last time I am going to see her."  Horrific.

While a cure has not been found for Alie's disorder, we were given a gift of an extra year that the doctors didn't think we would have due to research studies and explorations.  While some research benefits are monetary, when you are a family of a loved one that has been diagnosed with an incurable disease; some research benefits become another breathe. 

Culture and Communication, EDUC 6165-6

Culture and Communication

     Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

 I have been blessed to have traveled to many places around the world.  Spent numerous hours speaking and communicating with people from other cultures.  Even in college, when I took Arabic classes, I made friends with a worker at a gas station that spoke Arabic and I went to visit him for an hour each week where we solely spoke Arabic to each other.  It was the only way I survived that class!

It is one of my passions, I am drawn to communicate with people from other cultures.  I don't think there is a difference in the way I communicate with people from different groups.  Instead there is a different approach to speaking with every person, whether it is the same culture or different, that gives respect to the other involved when you speak to them with inquiry and care within your conversation.  When I speak with anyone, I want them to know I care about what they think, say, and are concerned with.  In each culture there are different approaches to take, although before I change my approach with a person I communicate about proper etiquette with them.  I don't consider with communicating differently, instead communicating with respect for each other.

Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

1.    Applying the Platinum Rule (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011) with all communication areas will assist in strengthening and communicating more effectively.  Approaching communication with respect for each individual involved will assist and enable each party to exchange a few words within their thoughts.

2.    Knowledge, Francis Bacon said that "Knowledge is Power". One strategy in understanding  cross cultural communication is to understand what culture you are combining with.  When you gain knowledge, then you gain an understanding into the available lines of communication as well as the process for communicating within the culture and diverse relations that might be present.

3.    Body language.  Learning how to control emotions and supply a level of professionalism needs to include body language.  In order to communicate effectively, we must include the way our body is speaking as well as the words that are being said. (O'Hair & Weimann, 2012)

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

O' Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Communication is not always straightforward, EDUC 6165-6

For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

I chose to watch a show called "The Big Bang Theory."  My in laws love this show and talk about it a lot.  Frankly my life commitments right now do not luxury the capabilities of watching much television and I've never watched this so I thought I would double duo this project and see if I could connect with them along the journey.

I was so confused on what was happening throughout the entire episode.  I felt more lost than when I travel to other countries and don't speak their language because at least live in person I can hear the tone of their voice and laughter or hurt or pain.  I gathered that one person left to another location as he called in through video chatting a number of times.  One girl seemed really excited each time a video chat would come in, is this his girlfriend?  Who knows, I have no sound!!!!  I think it's Christmas because they're decorating a Christmas tree.  The person that left, did he go to a distant place?  The others, I think they are his friends as they are all the same age and appear to be similar in style of clothing (nerdy t-shirts and other non-trendy clothing items).  In some phone calls, the friends seem like they are excited and other phone calls the friends seem like they are annoyed.  There is also a lot of flash backs that include everyone except this guy at the hospital. 

NOW AFTER WATCHING THE SHOW WITH THE SOUND ON

Do I ever feel silly!  So it was a guy having to be at his sister's home as she was giving birth and her husband was in a motorcycle accident so he couldn't be there to help so this Sheldon guy has to be there to help deliver the baby.  Does this guy have major social skill problems?  He seems to have no feelings towards others or events that occur.

My assumptions about the characters were half and half.  They were friends and these flashbacks were images of them if this guy "Sheldon" were not in their lives.  I guess evaluating how much love and joy he has brought into their lives despite his crazy behaviors.  If I was able to watch a show I knew well without the sound, of course I would have made better assumptions as to the dialogue and the context behind each scene.  Anytime we know a person or group of people (or in this case know the characters) we make a better judgment on what their conversations might be about.  Although I'm sure we've all been wrong a time or two thinking we knew what another was saying or thinking!

Attempting to make an assumption as to what a person is saying, feeling, or thinking is really a hard task to make, especially when you don't know anything about them.  Within my professional life, I don't ever make these assumptions.  It is far better to not know sometimes what others are thinking than to desire to know and make an attempt in finding out or worse going off of body language. 

Within my personal life, of course I think I always know what my husband is thinking, wanting to do, or etc.  It's always funny when we talk about it and if I'm wrong, I would blame him on lying in an attempt to make me look like I don't know him.  (I truly hope this isn't just in my marriage).

(Adapted from O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 154)

The Big Bang Theory, "The Cooper Extraction" 7th season 11th episode