Dawn Gonzales

This module discussed the importance of establishing clear expectations/guidelines for communication, evaluation, and participation. It is important for an instructor to analyze the environment to create a feeling of community, and feeling of being welcome so students are comfortable communicating independently and in groups. It is important to ensure consistent communication/feedback is being provided while not becoming the main focal point of the environment. It is important to foster an environment through collaboration and independent learning, and as the instructor, stepping in to initiate, encourage, or close out environments as they fulfill their purpose.

This section of the module focused on the student as an online learner. There are several factors to consider when helping students be successful in the digital environment. Factors such as generation/age, confidence level, tech level, etc. can all be important in a student's success and level of abilities to succeed. Instructors are the main point of contact for moderation and encouragement in the online setting, so it is important to provide the proper tone and clarification regarding expectations pertaining to communication and participation. Understanding all challenges that may be presented in the online setting will allow the instructor to… >>>

This part of the module explains the importance of setting clear expectations/guidelines for communication and managing the communication process. Communication is key in a digital environment so ensuring all involved understand the boundaries and netiquette will ensure a successful productive environment that will be inviting for all to participate. 

During this part of the module I learned the importance of selecting the correct tool for communication, based on the size of the group, the purpose behind the communication, and what is being communicated.  I learned the importance of evaluating the tools both pros/cons to determine which method will work best for the type of instruction being provided. 

This part of the module highlights the importance of recognizing the environment one is communicating in whether it is physical or digital. In a digital environment, one loses the ability to show active listening through body language, smiles, etc. In a digital environment communication is still as important and can be just as effective, but the communication must be administered in a different manner. It is important to show active listening through recognition, gaining attention, acknowledgement of words/feelings, building confidence, and providing a satisfactory response.  Communication can easily be misinterpreted so it is important to make sure all communication in… >>>

This part of the module focused on active listening, and the importance of empowering students to answer their own questions or seek out the actions to achieve their desired outcome, versus telling them what to do or providing surface answers to their situation.  I plan to use the information learned to empower and help students find their motivation through cohesive brainstorming and open-ended questions to promote independent thinking and triggering the motives behind setting the goal(s) in the first place. I want the students leaving any appointment feeling "heard", empowered, and excited about their goals. 

This part of the module discusses the importance of clear communication in regard to assisting students accomplish their goals. As a coach it is important to allow the student to take accountability for their goals, outcomes, concerns, actions, and next steps. As a coach it is our role to ensure we help the student stay on track to move forward toward their desired outcome without directing them ourselves.  It is also important to create a supportive environment where the student feels comfortable discussing their goals, obstacles, and plans without feeling judged and demeaned. I plan to use this information to… >>>

This module has discussed the importance of becoming an effective coach through using skills that build rapport with the student, identifying assets/skills the student has as well as identifying challenges that may prevent the student from working toward achieving a goal. The module has focused on the importance of becoming a partner to assist the student versus dictating what the student should do.  As a coach it can be easy to direct a student to perform specific tasks or meet specific requirements to accomplish a goal; however, telling a student how and what to do, creates co-dependency and lack of… >>>

The module focused on the importance of complete and accurate documentation. It is important to maintain specific documentation regarding each outreach/interaction with a student to ensure compliance for legal reasons but also to ensure any other person working with that student can review the notes and continue to assist the student. Complete notes allow for better and more efficient interactions with the student, and in the case of a legal challenge the completed detailed notes can protect the institution. I will provide detailed notes to ensure any person reading them will have knowledge of the interaction from date/time, my information/title,… >>>

This module covered the importance of clear and concise communication regarding the "why" behind a process/policy and the benefits behind the function of the process/policy. It also included the importance of correct documentation and the importance of organization within the documentation to avoid/reduce errors. In my role, I will take the information I have learned and will make sure to communicate all processes/policies clearly explaining both the "why" behind the purpose of the goal I am trying to accomplish with my students, and the benefits behind the "why" in both safety, efficiency, and for the institution and student personally. I… >>>