Final Blog Post

Hello Class!

This will be my final post to this blog.   I hope that you have learned a bit over the course of the semester. My students never cease to amaze me. I think I learn just as much from my students, if not more, than my students learn from me. In short, I have had a great time with you this semester, and wish each of you a relaxing and fun break.  You've earned it.

As of midnight tonight everything should be entered into D2L. Take a look at your total points then compare that number to the following scale to see the grade you earned in Comm 115.

A+ 970-1000
A 940-969
A- 900-939
B+ 870-899
B 840-869
B- 800-839
C+ 770-799
C 740-769
C- 700-739
D+ 670-699
D 640-669
D- 600-639
F 600 and below

I will post grades at some point tomorrow, but I don't think they will be released for a day or two. The mysjsu system will release grades at its own pace.

Again, I have had a great time with you all this semester, and hope that you have a wonderful break!

Signing off for the last time.....

The Blogging Prof

Week of Dec 10 - 14

Hello Fabulous Students,

As you all know, the only thing left to complete for Comm 115 is the final exam, which is open book/open notes.  As a reminder the final exam will open up on Dec 13th at 12:01am, and will close on Dec 14th at 11:59pm.  Please be sure to take the final exam during the scheduled time.  


Please follow these instructions and reminders to take the final exam:

1). Download the Proctor Form from the "Content" tab on D2L.  You can locate it under the "Quizzes and Tests" tab.
2). Find someone to proctor your final exam who is a). NOT a part of Comm 115P at SJSU, and b). Over the age of 21.  You do not need to go to a testing center for the final exam, rather, you can ask a family member, friend, etc.....
3). Make sure the proctor watches you take the final exam to attest to the fact that you did not share questions or answers with anyone.  In short - the proctor is there to make sure you don't offer assistance or get assistance from another person.
4). Log onto D2L and locate the final exam.
5). Take the test - This is an open book/open notes test.
6). Submit the test within the time limit allowed (see D2L for more info.)
7). Submit the SIGNED proctor form to me through email.  You can either scan it into the computer and send it to me, or you can take a HIGH QUALITY digital photo and email the picture to me.  Be sure to email the proctor form to the class email address.

NOTE:  If I do not receive a signed Proctor Form from you with 24 hours of you completing the final exam, you will earn a zero on the final. 

Email me with any questions you might have.

:)
The Blogging Prof.

Week of December 3 - 9

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  This will be our last discussion for the class, however, we have two weeks left of class. 

Due this week:
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*STUDY FOR FINAL EXAM - The final exam is scheduled on D2L on Dec 13th - 14th.  To take the final exam you will access D2L as you have been all semester, and take the final exam.  There is one difference with this test - the final exam must be proctored.  This means that you are required to have someone who is over 21, and not a part of Comm 115, watch you take the final exam and attest to the fact that you did not share answers or questions with anyone else in the class.  I will post more about this next Monday.  

Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 16 in its entirety, answer the following question: Why do you think people have such negative views of conflict?  Do you think that as people know more about conflict, they fear it less?   Why or why not?

2). Summarize what you liked most and what you liked least about this class.  In other words, what were the strengths and weaknesses of this class?  Would you recommend this class to other students?  Why or why not?

3). What did you learn over the course of the semester? Please give extensive detail.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Grades have been entered

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Week of November 26 - December 2

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 15 - Managing Social Conflict
*Participate in the discussion on the class Wiki.  You should read through at least 3 other class members projects, then comment on their project in no less than 200 words.  Each response to a classmates project is worth 6 points, for a maximum of 18 points for the week.  You will go to the class Wiki, click on the names on the sidebar on the right hand side, read through the project in its entirety, then leave a comment down at the bottom of the project. MAKE SURE you add your name to your post so that I can easily track your comments.

Week of November 19-25

Hello Folks,

There is nothing due this week.  Y'all have worked incredibly hard all semester, you deserve a week off.

Have a great Thanksgiving!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Reminder

Hello Fabulous Students,

As a reminder, you are able to contact me a number of different ways:

1). Email
2). Tues/Thurs - Yahoo Messenger:  carolperezcommclass  I hold office hours from 9:30am-11:30am.
3). Phone conversation - I'm always available to chat over the phone.  Just email me and we can set a time/date to chat.  I know it seems strange for students to chat with their instructor over the phone, but I let me assure you that I chat with students over the phone consistently.  So while it may seem a little strange to you, it is common practice for me.

In short - I'm available whenever you need to chat.

Have a great day!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Managing Organizational Conflict

It is really no surprise to discover that organizations re sources of conflict in our lives.  We defined conflict earlier in this textbook but we need to emphasize here that the interdependence among other parties is organizational in nature because it involves workplace relationships (boss-employee, colleagues, departmental heads, employee-public, etc.) and organizational rules of conduct.  Although conflict in organizations has the potential to slow productivity and negatively impact job satisfaction, the effective management of such conflict may enhance worker productivity and job satisfaction or at least reduce its harmful effects.  Ultimately, whether the presence of conflict in organizations becomes productive or destructive, improves functioning or derails the organization from its task depends upon team members' response to it.

In this chapter, then, we address the sources of these everyday conflicts in organizations and discuss various means to manage them.  We also discuss three important organizational phenomena: diversity-based conflict, work-life conflict, and the prevalence of workplace bullying.

For conflicts resulting from diversity in the workplace, we need to be more in tune with cultural differences and how they may be accommodated in the workplace.  We need to embrace civility.  As for work-life imbalances over the long run, we must strive for relieving hyperstress by balancing demands, having sufficient rest and "down time", and asserting ourselves when negotiating with our supervisors reasonable boundaries on what they can demand of our time and energy.  For dealing with bullies in the workplace, a person may use a variety of communicative means, such as turning an insult around and treating it as though it is a compliment; solicit the help of lawyers, outside experts, human resources, or oversight agencies; file a formal or informal grievance against the bully; document all interactions with the bully to accumulate a large body of evidence; and/or confront a bully using the confrontational ritual, but be prepared for failure because bullies are resistant to change and often fail to respond productively to what we think, feel, or want.  Remember or warning that one mark of a bully is a person who wants to control, dominate, or abuse others.

In the event that communication with a bully does not bring about desirable results, there are other options.  A person may engage in passive-aggressive behavior like subversive (dis)obedience, by changing his or her work output or communication patterns in ways that disadvantage the bully.  A person may rally others at work in an effort to "gang up" on the bully, although the bully may retaliate and pick on lone individuals when others are not there to protect them.  As a last resort, a person can quit her or his job or put in for a transfer.

Our approach to this chapter is to encourage you to carefully analyze an organizational conflict so that you apply the appropriate response to it.  Effective conflict management also includes awareness of options that exist in every situation.  All too often we respond to problematic situations by habit rather than make a more effective and appropriate response. 

Chapter Objectives:

At the end of the this chapter, you should be able to: 

1). Describe the sources of conflict in organizations. 

2). List strategies you can use to manage conflict in organizations.

3). Describe diversity-based conflict.

4). List strategies you can use to manage diversity-based conflict.

5). Describe work-life conflict.

6). List strategies to manage work-life conflict.

7). Describe workplace bullying.

8). List strategies you can use to combat bullying in the workplace. 

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of November 12-18

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 14 - Managing Organizational Conflict
*Upload Workshop Project to the class Wiki: I will send you an invitation to the Wiki through email shortly, as well as send you directions about how to upload your project.  You have ALL WEEK to upload your project to the Wiki, and to make your page look how you would like it to look.  Email me if any questions or issues with the Wiki arise.

Grades updated in D2L

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Study Abroad Summer 2013 - Beijing

The Blogging Prof. is leading a study abroad trip to Beijing during the summer of 2013!!!!!!      

Visit Beijing and earn four upper division units in communication studies!

During the summer of 2013 I will be leading an intercultural communication study abroad program to China, with a special emphasis on tourism, modernity, and urban life.

Students will stay at Communication University of China, which provides comfortable dormitory housing, low-cost meals, and easy access to the sights of Beijing.  Classes focus on conversation and real-life exploration, and you will have lots of free time.  That means opportunities to climb the Great Wall, wander the Forbidden City, experience the Peking Opera, and more.

Great Wall

Forbidden City

Peking Opera

Pricing (excluding airfare and visa fees) is about $2,500, which covers housing, course fees, food, and several local tours.  Cost for airfare and visa fees is estimated at an additional $1,500.  The course meets COMM 161F requirements, but course substitutions can be made if you've already taken that class.  If you a communication major, you should apply for this terrific opportunity.  However, this opportunity is open to all SJSU students.

Want to learn more:

Please contact me for more information.  Students are currently working on getting their passports and deposits, but there is still time to join the trip.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Week of November 5 - 11

Hello Folks,

The only thing due this week is the "Practice" unit project for the class:  Workshop Project and read Chapter 13 in the course text.  As you know, this project is worth a total of 25% of your grade in this class.  It will also be reviewed by all of your classmates after you post it to the class Wiki next week.  Please make sure this is your best possible work!

When you email me your submission this week to the class email address (no later than Sunday, November 11th - preferably earlier), you should include the following:

1). Video of your workshop (uploaded to You Tube or Vimeo) - a link should be added to your final paper.
2). Powerpoint presentation used during your workshop.
3). Handouts/notes used during workshop.
4). Role-playing activities used to exemplify concepts during workshop.
5). Analysis:  6-9 page paper including outside sources - see assignment sheet for more detail regarding the essay portion of the paper. 
6). Detailed Time log.
7). You will also upload ALL workshop materials to the class Wiki (details will be sent soon), so make sure that this is your best work!!!

Please make sure that you have everything listed here, and send all attachments in a single email.  I will keep a file for every student, and I will evaluate all items sent by the due date.  Remember, this is a complete workshop in which you are acting as the instructor/facilitator.

I can't wait to see what y'all put together.  Since this has been a semester long project, I expect that your projects will be phenomenal.  Email me with any questions you might have.
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Grades have been updated

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for a few items.

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great evening everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Managing Conflict from a Theoretical Perspective

As we state at the beginning of this chapter, understanding theories can help up understand our conflicts better so that we can adapt to them more easily.  Psychodynamic theory, or example, help us understand that aggressive impulses result from internal conflict between the id and the superego, which produces frustration and tension.  The internal conflict can arise from tension, stress, insecurity, anxiety, hostility, sexual urges, or depression.  Pschodynamic theory explains displaced, misplaced, and overblown conflicts.

Attribution theory helps explain retaliatory behavior - we respond the way we do because we assume we understand why other people behave as they do.  Making internal attributions for others often results in name-calling and assigning blame.  We make external attributions to explain other's behavior when we don't like it an external attributions when we do like what we see.  Meanwhile, we do the opposite for our own behavior.

We can discuss uncertainty theory at two levels.  Conflict creates uncertainty within the relationship in which is occurs, and uncertainty also exists to different degrees within the particular conflict.  Uncertainty in the conflict situation occurs when we have insufficient information to understand another's motives, goals, or behaviors or when we do not understand another's behavior.  Uncertainty theory helps explain false conflicts.

According to social exchange theory, partners determine the value of their relationships.  Social exchange theory explains how people rate their relationships in terms of what they are giving and getting out of them.  Partners make the two comparisons to determine their level of:

1). relationship satisfaction (based on previous experiences) and 

2). relationship commitment (based on rewards/costs of alternatives)

Systems theory also deals with relationships.  A system has some purpose - it is goal-directed and adapts to its environment - a type of self-maintenance of self-regulation.  Thus the system maintains itself (homeostasis) in pursuit of a goal.  Conflicts happen as people adjust to the demands of other people in the system or to the demands of the environment on the system itself.

Sometimes people will say that a theory sounds reasonable but doesn't work in practice.  Good theories are those we can put to use.  The theories presented in this chapter are part of a conflict manager's toolbox - they help to make sense of conflict behavior and guide us in the competent choice of conflict management strategies.

Chapter Objectives:

At the end of the this chapter, you should be able to: 

1). Explain the key concepts and assumptions that identify factors that play an important role in interpersonal conflict according to each theory.

2). Explain key principles that describe how conflict develop according to each theory.

3). Identify the type of conflict explained by each theory.

4). Show how one should manage or resolve interpersonal conflicts according to each theory.

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of October 29 - November 4

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 12 - Managing Conflict from a Theoretical Perspective
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Continue working on the Conflict Workshop Assignment.  As a reminder, this project is due in full by November 11th.  I would highly suggest that you complete the assignment early in case you run into any technical issues uploading your assignment to a video sharing website, and to the class Wiki (directions about the wiki will be sent next week).


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). Going back to Chapter 10, answer the following question:  Do an internet search using the terms forgiveness, reconciliation, and revenge.  What kids of sites do you find?  Which term produces more results?  Why do you think that is?

2). After reading Chapter 12 in its entirety, answer the following question:  When have false attributions you have made about another exacerbated a conflict situation?  Have there been times when making accurate attributions about the other has helped you?

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Week of October 22 - 28

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 9 - Managing Face
*Read Chapter 10 - Managing Conflict Through Forgiveness
*Present your Workshop this week.
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Quiz on Chapters 7-10 - Please log into D2L to take the quiz.

PLEASE NOTE: 
The following will be due on November 11th:

1). Video of your workshop (uploaded to You Tube or Vimeo) - a link should be added to your final paper.
2). Powerpoint presentation used during your workshop.
3). Handouts/notes used during workshop.
4). Role-playing activities used to exemplify concepts during workshop.
5). Analysis:  6-9 page paper including outside sources - see assignment sheet for more detail regarding the essay portion of the paper. This is one of the most important components of your project.
6). Detailed Time log.
7). You will also upload ALL workshop materials to the class Wiki (details will be given at a later date), so make sure that this is your best work!!!  


Please also note that the schedule reflects "Present Workshop to Selected Group".  That means that you should present your workshop THIS WEEK.The note on the schedule is simply a reminder that you should present your workshop early to allow yourself time to upload the video, write the paper, etc.....   Remember to give yourself enough time to write the 6-9 page paper based on the workshop experience.


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 9 in its entirety, answer the following question:  If you are a member of a social networking website such as Facebook, think about the way you use it.  How do you present yourself?  What impressions do you hope people will get from reading your profile?  Have there been times people have posted something to your profile that you wished they hadn't?  How does this relate to conflict and communication?

2). After reading Chapter 10 in its entirety, answer the following question:  Is there an event in your life that you find difficult to forgive?  What is it?  What makes it so difficult to forgive the other person?  If you are not experiencing a difficult event now, describe a past event that you have found difficult to forgive.

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Managing Stress

We begin our discussion of stress by identifying it as a contributor to conflict.  Stressed people may more easily fly off the handle and perhaps even turn violent.  We also identify four types of stress.  Eustress is a short-term stress that encourages us to take more seriously and expend more energy on important activities.  Hypostress, or underload, occurs when we're bored or unchallenged by our situations.  Because the eustress and hypostress are only temporary and do not lead to significant conflicts, we focused on hyperstress and distress, which offer greater challenges to the conflict manager.  Hyperstress occurs when too many tasks and responsibilities pile up on us and we are unable to adapt to the changes or cope with all that is happening at once.  One distinguishing feature of hyperstress is that the source is usually clearly identifiable and clears up quickly if we eliminate it.  Hyperstress makes it easy to experience an overblown conflict, which occurs when people greatly exaggerate a conflict, generally using a relatively unimportant issue as a focal point.  The conflict is overblown by one or more of the parties who invests far more emotion and energy than usual.  Some specific techniques for dealing with hyperstress are listed in the chapter.

Distress arises when we don't feel control over the situation and when the source of stress is unclear.  Distress is more encompassing than the other forms of stress.  It relates more to our world view, personality (Type A, too controlling, workaholic, etc...), and self-fulfilling prophecy (or expectations).  Because distress can make us appear difficult or cat in ways that appear unpleasant to others, it can contribute to conflict proneness.  

Conflict proneness due to distress occurs when people take themselves too seriously, don't enjoy what they are doing, or fail to see the humor in their everyday affairs.  Distress makes people unhappy and difficult to work or live with.

While some specific techniques are listed in the chapter for dealing with distress, a more encompassing way to manage distress is develop a playful spirit.  We suggest three ways to do that:  Make a distinction between work and play, striving for balance between them; turn work into play so that you enjoy what you do; and learn how to appreciate the bad with the good because some suffering makes us better appreciate good fortune when it occurs.

There is another more general way to deal with hyperstress and distress which is known as the ABC model.  The letter A stands for the activating event or stressor; B means our relevant beliefs or thoughts; and C refers to the consequences or effects and reaction to the stressor.  In addition to identifying stressors and relating them to consequences, the model also shows us the important role played by our thoughts and beliefs. 

We can avoid stress by minimizing the number of irrational thoughts we entertain.  We can monitor our emotional reactions to problematic situations and ask what feelings different events are arousing in us.  We can record our self-talk and make sure it is positive rather than negative.  When you write down what you are saying to yourself such as something like, "I am a failure because I received an F on this algebra test", it is easier to see that it is irrational.  By writing down your self-talk, you can also dispute your irrational beliefs by writing down rational statements instead.  If your negative self-talk includes a statement like, "I'll never understand this subject," you can dispute that by listing what you already do understand and listing places where you can seek help on this section.

If you are doing your best to alleviate hyperstress as it occurs, and to avoid distress when you can, you are much less likely to engage in destructive conflicts.  When we are stressed, it is more difficult to practice good communication skills.  Empathy is difficult during periods of hyperstress or distress.  It is hard to hear another person out and want to respond to them.  Keeping stress at an optimal low level is a way of ensuring competence in communication situations.   

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

1). Identify four types of stress.

2). Distinguish between hyperstress and distress.

3). Identify the sources of hyperstress in his/her lift.

4). List some of the likely sources of distress in people's lives.

5). Explain how hyperstress and distress affect one's communication behavior in a conflict situation. 

6). List three solutions for developing a more playful attitude.

7). List some specific techniques for dealing constructively with hyperstress and distress.

8). Explain the ABC model, differentiate between positive and negative beliefs, and apply the model to a conflict situation.

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of October 15-21

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 7 - Managing Stress
*Read Chapter 8 - Managing Anger
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)

PLEASE NOTE: 
*Supplemental Materials: Please note that the schedule indicates that the supplemental materials for your workshop is due by Sunday, October 21st. However, it is impractical for you to submit any workshop materials before you actually present your workshop.  I understand that you will revise your material, and what information you will present until the time of your workshop (my experience as a professor tells me this is true).  Because of this, you will not need to submit any supplemental materials ahead of time.  I will simply evaluate your supplemental materials when the assignment is due on November 11th.  This means that the following will be due on November 11th:

1). Video of your workshop (uploaded to You Tube or Vimeo) - a link should be added to your final paper.
2). Powerpoint presentation used during your workshop.
3). Handouts/notes used during workshop.
4). Role-playing activities used to exemplify concepts during workshop.
5). Analysis:  6-9 page paper including outside sources - see assignment sheet for more detail regarding the essay portion of the paper. 
6). Detailed Time log.
7). You will also upload ALL workshop materials to the class Wiki (details will be given at a later date), so make sure that this is your best work!!!  


Please also note that the schedule reflects 3 weeks of "Workshop Presentations Due".  That means that you should choose one of those three weeks noted on the "Schedule" page on D2L to present your workshop.The note on the schedule is simply a reminder that you should present your workshop early to allow yourself time to upload the video, write the paper, etc.....   Remember to give yourself enough time to write the 6-9 page paper based on the workshop experience.


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 7 in its entirety, answer the following question:  Look at your work and school commitments.  How might you apply each of the "three solutions" to improve how you feel about your job and school?

2). After reading Chapter 8 in its entirety, answer the following question:  Are you a person who tends to blow up, do you express your anger calmly, or do you simply not express it at all?  What are the outcomes of expressing anger in this way?

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Week of October 8-14

Hello Folks!

There are two things due this week:

1).  Midterm Exam on D2L.  Please log onto D2L to take the exam.  It is open book, open notes and it covers Chapters 1-6 & 11.  Remember that the midterm is timed, and it needs to be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday night.  Please do not share answers or test questions with fellow classmates.

2). The paper: Conflict Assessment Paper is due by Sunday, October 14th @ 11:59pm.  You should submit the paper in a single document, and send it as an attachment to the class email address.  Please be sure to submit your papers early to avoid any transmission issues.

Have a good week everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Managing the Conflict Climate

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the role played by climate in conflict situation.  Abuse of power, competition, distrust, and defensive behavior create a hostile, dangerous, and harmful conflict environment that produces unsatisfactory outcomes for one or both parties.  Unabusive power or equality, cooperation, trust, and supportive behavior create a warm, friendly, and nurturing conflict environment that is more likely to produce mutually satisfactory outcomes.

Abusive power contributes to a harmful conflict climate because it is perceived as threatening.  The more powerful person in the conflict situation has greater latitude in using power in abusive and unabusive ways.  Those who abuse power may find that the other person responds in passive or passive-aggressive ways in order to avoid threats and abuse.  Although it is difficult to embrace the idea of giving up power, something doing so is one's best option in resolving conflict.  At the very lease, deemphasizing power differences leads to a nurturing conflict climate.  Those with less power in the situation should also seek opportunities to be more assertive, use power-neutral language, and take responsibility for the outcomes in the conflict situation.

Competition becomes part of a harmful conflict climate when the parties view the conflict situation only in terms of win-lose outcomes.  This perception results in the conflicting parties seeing themselves as individuals who must win at all costs.  By shifting to a conflict in terms of win-win outcomes, the conflicting parties can view themselves as partners, where maintaining and preserving the relationship is as important, if not more, than winning an argument or forcing one's decision on another.

Both distrust and unhealthy trust are threatening to an interpersonal relationship when they contribute to a harmful conflict climate.  Some people distrust others too much and some are too trusting. Earned trust contributes to a nurturing conflict climate.  People maintain the trust of others when they continue to act in cooperative ways, avoid suspicious activity, and reciprocate in trusting ways to the action of the other.

Critical to our success in conflict situations is the use of communicative behavior that is supportive and nonthreatening.  Conflicting parties should try to establish a nurturing conflict climate by being supportive and not being defensive.  The most significant steps toward creating supportive climate are found in communication that describes behavior rather than judges it, that is oriented toward solving problems rather than assigning blame, that focuses on description and problem solution rather than "you-orientation", that manifests an attitude of empathy rather than an attitude that is neutral and unconcerned, and that conveys a sense of equality with the other rather than a position of superiority.  Finally, a supportive climate is created spontaneously rather than through behavior perceived as strategic an through talk that suggests that the conversation is still in progress rather than certain and final.

The concept of defensive behavior differs from that of power imbalance.  While a few defensive behaviors are sometimes associated with people in positions of power, such as evaluation (criticizing), control (being dominating), neutrality (lacking interesting in subordinates problems), and superiority ("pulling rank"), defensive behaviors may appear irrespective of power.  They are more consistently associated with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, fear, or uncertainty that make one turn defensive in a threatening situation.  When powerful people manifest defensive behaviors, it is an indication of feelings of insecurity about their role as supervisor, leader, or parent.

Communicators who create nurturing climates are more likely to create mutually satisfying outcomes because they participate in the decisions, agreements, solutions, and resolution of conflicts that affect them.  If we feel safe enough to assert our interests, needs, and goals; listen to others; and collaborate in interpersonal conflict, we are more likely to achieve mutually satisfying outcomes. 

Chapter Objectives

At the end of the chapter, you should be able to:

1). Describe the role that climate generally plays in conflict situations. 

2). Describe specifically the role played by an imbalance of power in a conflict situation and explain how to equalize power.

3). Describe specifically the role played by competition in a conflict situation and explain how to encourage cooperation.

4). Describe specifically the role played by distrust in a conflict situation and explain how to create trust.

5). Describe specifically the role played by defensive behaviors in a conflict situation and explain how to engage and encourage supportive behaviors.

6). Explain how the concept of defensive behaviors differs from that of power imbalance.  

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Prof. on Campus

Hello Fabulous Students,

I will be on campus Wednesday and Thursday of this week if you would like to meet with me f2f.  That means that my online office hours on Thursday will be canceled because I will hold office hours in person. 

I should be in my office from about 11:00am to 12:00pm if you would like to stop by.  However, please let me know if you will be stopping by so that I can make sure I will be in my office when you get there.  I have a number of meetings to go to, and will likely be running around the department during that time, so please contact me to let me know you'll be stopping by.

My office location is HGH 216

See y'all soon!
TBP

Week of October 1-7

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 6 - Managing the Conflict Climate
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Continue working on your first course essay:  "Conflict Assessment Paper".  As a reminder, the CAP assignment is due next week.
*Study for Midterm:  The midterm will cover Chapters 1-6, & 11, and will be available next week.


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 6 in its entirety, answer the following question:  When have you ever lost trust in someone?  How did you react to the loss of trust?  How was the trust restored?

2). After reading Chapter 6 in its entirety, answer the following question:  How does it feel when you are in an unbalanced power relationship?  What is it like to have more power?  Less power?

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Submitting Assignments

Hi Folks,

My deepest apologies for not making this a bit more clear, but all assignments should be submitted to me at the class email address.

Let me know if any questions arise.

:)
TBP

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Managing Win-Lose Conflicts through Negotiation

The type of conflict issue makes a difference because we should manage some conflicts differently than others.  Some conflicts are over tangible issues and other focus on intangible issues.  What is the difference between a tangible and an intangible conflict issue?  Intangible resources are emotional, mental and psychological assets, and are not limited by nature.  Consequently, issues relational to intangible resources are often resolved through interpersonal communication.  In contrast, tangible resources are physical and observable.  Because tangible resources are often scarce, conflicts involving such issues take more than basic interpersonal communication skills to resolve; the require more advanced conflict management skills, in particular, negotiation techniques.

When confronted with a conflict over an intangible resource, skilled conflict managers follow the minimax principle to minimize their losses and maximize their gains.  They start bargaining with an aspiration level but also have a resistance point in mind.  While negotiating, a skilled conflict manager considers her or his Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) as a standard by which to measure the value of offers from others.  One implication of this idea is that one should expect to make some concessions, so it pays to set a goal higher than one thinks possible to maintain.  Negotiators who make concessions are more likely to elicit cooperative behavior from the other party than are those who make no concessions at all.

Skilled conflict managers also strive for a win-win outcome.  Such outcomes are more likely to occur when the parties trust each other and the situation is one in which mutually satisfactory outcomes are possible, even though the parties may not know that at the outset.

Whether we approach a conflict from a minimax principle or a win-win orientation, it is important for the conflicting parties to expand the solutions to the problem by brainstorming, focusing on the interests of the people involved rather than on their articulated positions, cutting costs for the other party, compensating, logrolling, and trying to agree ahead of time on objective criteria.

How do effective conflict managers employ addition means to convert a potentially competitive conflict into a cooperative one?  They do this by separating people from the problem, making concessions, seeking commonalities, talking cooperation, consulting before acting, communicating frequently, controlling the process, thinking positively, and engaging in fractionation.

Chapter Objectives:

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to: 

1). Explain the difference between a tangible and an intangible conflict issue.

2). Explain the assumption behind negotiation in which people try to minimize their losses and maximize their gains.

3). Distinguish between competitive and cooperative negotiation and explain when each approach is most appropriate.

4). Describe six ways to generate more options.

5). List several additional ways that one can convert a potentially competitive negotiation into a cooperative one.

6). Define BATNA and fractionation.


-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Grades have been updated in D2L

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:

Discussion Week of Sept. 10-16

Discussion week of Sept. 17-23 

As a reminder, it is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Week of September 24-30

 Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.

NOTE: The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 5  - Managing Win-Lose Conflicts through Negotiation
*There is no discussion this week.
*Conflict Assessment Paper: due by Oct 14th @ 11:59pm.

*Work on Project Proposal:  There are a number of steps that you will need to complete for this project, the first being a Project Proposal.  You should read through the assignment sheet in its entirety, and work on the Proposal this week.   The proposal is due by the end of the week on Sunday, Sept 30th.  It should only be a 1-2 page proposal, however, you will need to do some research for the proposal, and submit a reference list you plan on using (see assignment sheet for more detail).  Email me with any questions you might have about the Conflict Resolution Workshop assignment.

Reminder:  I hold office hours of Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am on Yahoo Messenger.  I can also chat with students over the phone during that time, or at your convenience.  We can always make an appointment to chat over the phone in case you need clarification about something in the class.  And of course, I'm always available through email.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Responding to Conflict - the S-TLC System

It's important to recognize that communication is not simply saying what's on one's mind.  Communication (and, by extension, conflict) isn't something we do to the other person, but something we do with one another (like teamwork of like a dance).

In addition, this chapter introduces you to one of the most important tools in conflict management - the S-TLC system.  The S-TLC system teaches us to stop, think, listen, and then communicate with the other person.   By following these four steps, we can often resolve interpersonal conflicts through basic communication skills.

"Stop" means not reacting blindly and responding habitually to the other person.  When we take time out, we can then consider our options and try to exercise them rationally.  After we have stopped, we need to think, or analyze the situation to try to know what is really happening within it and the range of possibilities it presents.  Rather than taking the conflict personally, we need to think about the consequences of doing nothing or about changing the other person, the situation, or ourselves.  We need to consider the conflicting parties' instrumental, identity, relational, and process goals.

After stopping and thinking, it is important to listen to the other person.  Listening to the other does not mean we have to agree with the other.  It simply means that we consider the others opinion important, and that we try to hear and understand it before we make a point or saying what's on our mind.  Although our tendency is to become defensive when we hear a critical remark, listening without immediately defending oneself can make the difference between a productive and destructive conflict.

To help students create assertive messages for expressing their feelings, wants, and needs during the fourth step of the confrontation process, we encourage them to use personalized communication - language using I-statements (i.e., I think, I feel) versus "you" or depersonalized statements (i.e., "you always", "most people think").  These I-statements consist of four parts:

*I feel (feeling statement)

*when I (problematic behavior statement)

*because I (consequences statement)

*I'd like (goals statement)

Chapter Objectives:

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

1). Briefly explain the S-TLC system for dealing with conflict situations.

2). Briefly explain how to "stop" and not respond habitually when in a conflict situation.

3). Explain in depth different ways to "think" about a conflict.

4). Offer constructive advice to someone who doesn't "listen" well.

5). Briefly explain why the transactional model of communication is preferable to the linear model for managing conflict situations.

6). Correctly create a four-part I-statement.


-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of Sept. 17 - 23

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 4 - Responding to Conflict: The S-TLC System
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Continue working on your first course essay:  "Conflict Assessment Paper".
*Start working on the Proposal for the Conflict Workshop (assignment sheet is available on D2L)


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 4 in its entirety, answer the following question:  How hard is it for you to stop a conflict?  If you find it easy to not respond automatically, what advice can you give others who have trouble with this step?  Whether you find this step difficult or not, what ways do you prefer if you try to take a "time out"?

2). After reading Chapter 4 in its entirety, answer the following question:  What are you thinking about when others talk?  Do you concentrate on what they are saying or do you think about your own ideas instead?  After listening to someone, an you write down most of what that person told you?  If not, why?

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Grades have been updated in D2L

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:

Discussion Week of Sept3-9

I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades.  It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 11

The study and practice of effective mediation is a natural fit for students of communication and conflict.  For those who have gone through formal training, it is clear that it offers a practical application of many skills taught in undergraduate interpersonal communication and conflict management courses.  However, we must shift our thinking from dealing with our own conflicts to helping others resolve theirs.

When should we intervene in other people's conflicts?  Help is needed when a dispute exists, meaning that the two parties are unable to resolve the conflict on their own.  Unlike other alternatives to dispute resolution, such as conciliation, ombudsperson, arbitrator, and adjudication/litigation, mediators are unbiased third parties who facilitate communication between the conflicting parties so that the conflicting parties can work out their own agreement.

A typical mediation usually proceeds through the following steps:
1). One or both disputants seek mediation or a mediator may talk them into it.
2). The mediator brings the disputants together and makes an opening statement.
3). Following the mediator's opening statement, each person takes a few minutes to describe the dispute from his or her point of view without interruption.
4). The mediator finds common ground on which to build an agreement.
5). The mediator writes up the final agreement.
6). The mediator ends the mediation.

When drafting the agreement, mediators need to employ the following format:  X agrees to this, and Y agrees to that.  The mediators should attempt to keep the agreement simple.  They use clear, specific details (spelling out who, what, where, when, how).  It helps to think of the agreement as a list of behavioral commitments because it enumerates the specific observable actions each party needs to take to fulfill the agreement.  In developing the agreement, the mediators should strive for balance or "something for everyone".  The agreement also needs to address questions of feasibility and practicality - both parties  should find the agreement workable.  Finally, the culminating step occurs when the mediators ask both parties to sign the agreement.

The chapter concludes our presentation of the core concepts involved in effective conflict management.  The afterword presents an overall view of the effective conflict manager.

Chapter Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:
1). Describe the difference between formal and informal mediation.
2). Define mediation and contrast it with the other alternatives to dispute resolution (ADRs).
3). Explain when a third party should intervene as a mediator.
4). Describe the role of the mediator.


Personal Note:
I trained as a mediator at the end of 2010 in Nevada County.  The trainers were a panel of licensed Therapists, Lawyers, Businessperson, and lay volunteers.  The training was amazing!  As in most mediation trainings, we did a lot of role playing.  We were given manuals, tools, and experience to bring us up to a place where we could safely mediate as experts.  After the training I volunteered at the Nevada County Courthouse to observe and practice my mediation skills.  The process was fascinating.  All of the tools the trainers gave us were put into practice, just as we had experienced during our training.

Because we were volunteers at a courthouse (a partnership with the group of mediators and the courthouse), all decisions were submitted to the court as 'binding' agreements.  So not only were we able to mediate, the decisions that were made by both parties were signed, and submitted to the court.  Of course there were specific forms we needed to fill out, certain processes that needed to be followed, because we were, after all mediating court cases.

I learned many things throughout my mediation training and volunteer work.  A few of the main principles that I learned were these:

1). Mediators keep all information confidential.  That means that what is discussed at the mediation STAYS at the mediation table.  (You know the phrase, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"?  Yeah, same principle here!).
2). Mediators must remain neutral at all times.
3). Expert communication skills are absolutely essential to the mediation process.
4). Have faith in the mediation process.  Highlighting common ground, reflective listening and reiterating respect is key.
5). There is a vast difference between the mediation process, arbitration process and litigation process.

The process of mediation is wonderful.  Not only can a mediation help with unresolved issues, more times than not emotional issues are brought up, hurts, anger, values, misinformation, etc...  The list goes on and on.  There is certainly a place for arbitration and litigation in this world, however, it can be argued that most disputes can be settled with mediation.

I hope you liked this chapter as much as I did!

Here's a brief video of a staged mediation:

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of September 10-16

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 11 - Managing Others' Disputes through Mediation
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Quiz on D2L: Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 11
*Continue working on your first course essay:  "Conflict Assessment Paper". 


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 11 in its entirety, answer the following question:  Why should communication majors make good mediators?  What might lawyers and psychotherapists find it difficult to effectively play the role of mediator?

2). After reading Chapter 11 in its entirety, answer the following question:  How might you use techniques such as fractionation, framing, reframing, and common ground for solving problems that don't involve interpersonal conflicts?

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Grades have been updated in D2L

Hello Fabulous Students,

I have entered grade into D2L for the following items:

Created Blog - this means that you created and sent me your information by the due date.  If you have received no credit for this item it is because you did not send me your information by the deadline.

Discussion Week of Aug 27 - Sept. 2 - This will be entered by tomorrow night at the latest.  Check back for an update.

I normally will not email you individually regarding your grades.  It is your responsibility to check your grades often (at least once a week), and email me if you have any questions.

Have a great day everyone!
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 3

This chapter identifies the choices we can make in conflict situations.  Just as there are many different types of conflicts and kinds of conflict issues, so there are different ways that we can respond to conflicts.  Many people don't realize that they have options and can freely choose among them, with differing results.

A person may choose to respond to a conflict non-assertively by avoiding the conflict altogether or by accommodating the other person's goals.  When the conflict is not important to us. avoiding and accommodating can be appropriate responses.  However, when we take this other-centered orientation, we run the risk of ignoring important issues until they grow so large that it is difficult to address them effectively.

On the other hand, a person may take a self-centered orientation and respond to the conflict behavior of another competitively by responding with overt aggression is seldom warranted except in situations of self-defense.  Passive-aggressive behavior is warranted when there is implied danger in confronting the other, but it is not a good response over the long term.

Sometimes we choose a relationship-centered orientation and split the difference and compromise with the other person.  In important conflicts, though, our best option is to choose collaboration by assertively speaking up for our interests, concerns, or rights in a way that does not interfere with the interests or basic communication rights of others.

Effective communicators are frequently assertive, sometimes non assertive, and rarely aggressive.  How does one determine when to choose one option over another?  Three factors everyone should consider when choosing among the four conflict communication options are the occasion/time/location, the other person, and one's own needs.  The communication considerations described in this chapter can help us decide when it is appropriate to use one type of conflict communication behavior or another.

Our first response in a conflict situation is not necessarily the best one.  We need to slow down, thing about the situation, and then respond to the other, using skills discussed in this chapter.  The only way to develop conflict skills is to use them in conflict situations.

-Abigail, R.A., & Cahn, D.D., (2011)

Week of September 3 - 9

Hello Folks!

Here is what is listed on the Participation Page from D2L for this week.  The schedule for the entire semester, and the discussion questions for the entire semester are listed on the Schedule and Participation Pages, respectively.  In case you do not want to wait for the "Monday Post", you are more than welcome to get started by looking at those two pages on D2L.

Due this week:
*Read Chapter 3 - Communication Options in Conflict
*Participate in the discussion (see questions below)
*Start working on your first course essay:  "Conflict Assessment Paper". 


Discussion Questions:
Answer one question in its entirety in each of your three separate posts, at least 12 hours apart. Please make sure you are creating a NEW POST for each question on your blog. You MUST WAIT at least 12 hours from the first post in order to create a second post. The same is true for the second and third post. I will record dates and time of your posts, so make sure they are at least 12 hours apart. EACH POST MUST BE 150 WORDS OR MORE. Each post is worth a maximum of 4 points.

1). After reading Chapter 3 in its entirety, answer the following question:  In dealing with conflicts, do you find that you tend toward one orientation over another?  Are you satisfied with the outcome of conflicts when you act from this orientation?  Do you favor the orientation all the time or are there exceptions?

2). After reading Chapter 3 in its entirety, answer the following question:  Sometimes abusive parents say they merely teach strict discipline.  What do you think is the difference between pushing and disciplining a child?  When do people overstep their paternal authority to punish their children? 

3). Pick one concept or idea from this week's assigned reading and discuss it.  Be sure to relate the concept/idea to your personally by using examples from your life and/or experiences.

Comments - Remember to post ONE comment ON THREE DIFFERENT BLOGS between 12:01am on Monday and 11:59pm on Sunday. This means that you will log onto MY BLOG at: http://comm115perez.blogspot.com/ to see a list of your colleagues blogs. Click on those blogs, read what was posted for this week and respond. You need to make sure you are responding to only what was discussed THIS WEEK (starting Monday and ending Sunday of the current week). Comments posted to blogs that were NOT within this week will not be counted for points. Each comment must be a minimum of 100 words and is worth a maximum of 2 points.

Note about comments: When you leave a comment on another blog, make sure you are logged into your blogspot account. In other words, you will need to make sure your "Display Name/Alias Name" shows up on the blog you are commenting on. I record the locations, dates and times of your comments. Please keep record of your posts and comments in case questions arise about where comments are located.

Trouble Commenting?

Hello Folks,

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you comment on a blog post, you should always reload the webpage (or return later) to see if you can see your comments published.  If you cannot see your comments published on the other students blog post I cannot see your comments to give you points for them.   You should always keep track of your posts and comments by using the "Track Posts and Comments" sheet that is uploaded to D2L under "Getting Started".  However, it is your responsibility to make sure that your posts are published correctly.  99 times out of 100, comments that are not posted correctly is user error.

If you have trouble commenting on posts, please follow these directions:

1). Make sure you are using Firefox as your web-browser (download HERE)
2). Open up Firefox as your web-browser and log into your blog.
3). Open a new tab in the web-browser and link to my blog, and start reading other students blogs (student blog tab is at the top).  Once you have found a blog you want to comment on, click "comment" below the post.
4). Type in your comment and then click on the drop down menu where it says "Comment As".
5). Choose "Google Account"
6). Since you are already logged into your blog in one of the open tabs, you should have no problem seeing your comment.

You can certainly experiment by leaving a message on one of my blog posts if you'd like.
:)
The Blogging Prof.

Instructor Wrap Up - Abigail Chapter 2

Chapter 2

A Process View of Conflict

From your authors: 

In this chapter, we describe the process of conflict and different ways conflict unfolds as people begin to experience issues with someone close to them.  The key to effective conflict management is an understanding of both what gives rise to conflict (what we have termed the prelude to conflict and triggering event) and what occurs at the subsequent stages - the initiation phase, differentiation phase, and the resolution phase.

The prelude to conflict sets the stage by identifying the people, place, and time of the conflict.  At the next stage, a triggering event functions as a stimulus, often leading to the initiation of conflict, followed by the initiation phase, which is the response to a triggering event.  The subsequent differentiation phase is the ongoing interaction pattern in which most of the conflict communication occurs.  Finally, in the resolution phase conflict participants come to a mutually satisfactory agreement or outcome.

Often people will get caught up in destructive cycles that do not allow their conflict to progress to some satisfactory outcome.  The conflict avoidance cycle and the chilling effect are characteristic of a relationship between people whose first impulse is to avoid the initiating conflict or to quickly withdraw when conflict arise. They serve as examples of how unsuccessful conflicts become mired down in one of the first four stages, namely at stage two.  In this case, the conflict has a prelude stage (e.g., one more more of the participants has a past history of poorly managing conflicts), followed by a stage two triggering event (e.g., one partner forgets an important date), but instead of progressing to stage three initiation, the offended individual does not initiate the conflict because she or he prefers not to engage in conflict.  The chilling effect occurs in situations where one fears the outcome.

The competitive conflict escalation has a prelude stage (e.g., one or more of the participants has a past history of poorly managed conflicts) followed by stage two triggering event (e.g., one partner forgets an important date) and moves through stage three initiation, but gets locked into stage four differentiation, instead of progressing to the final stage resolution. 

The violence cycle has a prelude and a trigger, but from the moment of initiation the conflict is enacted with verbal aggression that escalates into conflict. In this case, the cycle gets locked into stage three, without ever really exploring differences or coming to some sort of resolution.

The way we view our relationship with the other person, our past successes and failures in enacting conflict with the other, how we identify an issue, how we assign blame, and how we voice our complaint all affect our pattern of interaction in conflict situations.  Potentially productive conflict behavior exists somewhere in the maze of options.  In each stage of productive conflict we can choose to spin off into the avoidance, chilling effect, and competitive cycles.  As with the destructive cycles, productive conflict behavior stems from attitudes and beliefs about conflict.

When we see conflict as a normal part of relationships and when we listen to others and assert ourselves, we are less likely to become mired down in a destructive conflict cycle.  We have devised the following six confrontation steps to effectively manage interpersonal conflict.

1). Preparation: Identify your problem/needs/issues.
2). Tell the person "We need to talk".
3). Interpersonal confrontation: Talk to the other person about your problem.
4). Consider your partner's point of view: Listen, empathize, and respond with understanding.
5). Resolve the problem:  Make a mutually satisfying agreement.
6). Follow up on the solution:  Set a time for reevaluation.

We would like to say that confrontation always produces mutually satisfying results, but this is not true.  Although confrontation works more often then not and sometimes with surprising results, there are times when the other person is uncooperative, the issue is too complex, and we don't have enough time or energy to do it right.  As teachers, we authors encounter many pessimistic students who are reluctant to try the six steps; however many report excellent results and a change of hear after applying them while confronting someone about a significant issue.

How to Contact Your Instructor

Hello Folks!

As you are getting established in the class, I will direct you to a few things.  The first being how you contact me.  If you haven't already, please review the entire syllabus.  The syllabus can be downloaded from D2L.  After you log into D2L, enter the class.  Then click on "Content".  Once you are in the "Content" tab, you can see all of the materials I have uploaded for the course.  Please download the syllabus and read it thoroughly.

You can contact me a few ways:

1). I normally hold office hours on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30am to 11:30am. You can contact me in 'real time' through Yahoo Messenger.  See photo below (this is not a photo from the current syllabus):

 2). During office hours I am readily available through email.  I check my email often during office hours, because hey, I'm on my computer anyway, right?  :)

3). Appointment:  We can always chat over the phone by setting up an appointment ahead of time.  I can also chat almost immediately during my office hours.  Some students are intimidated by chatting with their professor over the phone.  However, I assure you that I chat with students over the phone every semester, so it's common practice for me.