On the topic of "communications maturity"...
As new students come into the online environment, especially at graduate level, they have already acquired expectations and habits that may enhance or disrupt the communications process. I suspect most already have a sense of using proper protocols, and guidelines, but may need some prompting and encouraging on creating new communications habits and breaking older ones. To me, there is a certain “maturation process†that goes along with communications, meaning that improving communications effectiveness is an ongoing process. Yet in students that take a few classes with me, I get the impression they just want to adapt to the course expectations and content as best they can rather than take the opportunity to improve. Granted there are students that focus energies on communicating effectively and abide by the communications code, but there are others that just want to concentrate on the content and have less of a regard for process or even feedback. Of course class announcements and the communications rubrics will help manage these situations, but I’m wondering if it’s also practical (and perhaps effective) to include communications assessments in the overall program effectiveness assessments. Many universities have assessments of student progress throughout the program, but should there also be an assessment of “communications maturity†especially at graduate level? I’d be interested in reading some opinions regarding the implementation, monitoring and assessing of communications maturity through the different graduate programs.
Ron,
What a great point. We do come in to many situations with preconceived thoughts and habits. You give us something to think about with the communications maturity question. How do you think that could be done. . .anyone? Thanks!
I agree; I think orientations with students coming back in to school is as important as orientations with new students. We had a student that no matter what he was threatening to a faculty member. We asked the student to come in for a one-on-one meeting. Most of the time an email would suffice to make the student realize their behavior.
Lilia,
For sure. An overall orientation in general is good for students. Conversations with students are essential. Thanks!
In my opinion, there are six subjects that every student should learn while there are, in undergraduate. First, there is microeconomics where one learns how individuals and companies operate in the economy. Second, there is macro economics where students learn how the economy works as a whole. Third, there is personal finance so that student learns how to balance his or her checkbook and learns about the time value of money. Fourth, there is business law where the student learns what is a contract, what is a tort, and what is a crime. Fifth, there is etiquette where student learns courtesy. Unfortunately, in our modern society courtesy has gone the way of all flesh, and so is etiquette. Sixth, and in my opinion most importantly, ballroom dancing. The reason that I think the ballroom dancing is important is because it teaches individuals be socially adept. Altogether too many times in our society. People are not socially adept.
Of the six things that I. I have listed above, the most important one is courtesy and etiquette. I wish the schools would give courses on etiquette, but I believe that most people believe such a course is unnecessary. This is in my opinion that failure of our modern educational system.
Donald,
Thanks for your input. What a list. I never thought about ballroom dancing, for sure.
I agree that many students prefer to learn the content and move on but in the process I make sure to incorporate my code of communication. In my eight years of teaching online, I have never had a problem with immature communication in the discussion board but email is another story. I have had to get the students advisor's involved because of the lack of professionalism. It's hard as an adult to hold my tongue but I know I have to uphold the standards as well and I try to teach them the importance of appropriate communication.
Lori,
It's amazing how we have to continually promote professional communication no matter how old or young the students may be. Thanks!
Hello there,
You stated, assessment of “communications maturity†especially at graduate level?"
I would say this is something that ALL instructors should be working with their students on. At the beginning of each course instructors should set the tone and communicate in ways that help students improve communication skills at the graduate level. Many students follow a previous instructor or leadership style. I say it all starts with the instructor, no assessment is needed. Once students enter graduate courses they should already have the capabilities to at least communicate on a mature level and be willing to continue to learn and grow. Thanks, Compreca
compreca,
Yes, it's a continual process to help students improve their communication. We can all improve.
