COM 214W - Small Group Communication

1. Examine the nature of small group communication.
   1. Define small group communication.
   2. Differentiate between various theoretical perspectives of group communication.
   3. Identify group process.
   4. Examine types of groups.
2. Describe the development and membership of small groups.
   1. Identify group development stages.
   2. Examine group norms.
   3. Examine goals for small groups.
   4. Identify diversity within small groups.
   5. Differentiate between task oriented and social oriented group roles.
   6. Perform roles in small groups.
3. Employ effective communication in the small group.
   1. Identify effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
   2. Distinguish the various types of listening in the small group.
   3. Identify the impact of communication climate on the function of a group.
   4. Utilize effective listening strategies.
   5. Demonstrate effective communication in small groups.
4. Identify group decision making and problem solving techniques.
   1. Differentiate between problem solving and decision making.
   2. Identify methods of problem solving and decision making.
   3. Identify barriers to effective problem solving and decision making.
   4. Practice problem solving methods.
   5. Practice decision making methods.
5. Demonstrate effective methods for conflict management in small groups.
   1. Identify conflict management styles and strategies.
   2. Practice effective conflict management in small groups.
6. Employ leadership skills in small groups.
   1. Define leadership.
   2. Identify leadership styles.
   3. Identify leadership functions and traits.
   4. Employ leadership principles.
7. Determine effective strategies to achieve group meeting success.
   1. Investigate effective planning strategies for group meetings.
   2. Identify procedures for conducting group meetings.
   3. Identify communication skills for effective participation in group meetings.
   4. Analyze a group meeting.
8. Demonstrate skills for effective group presentations.
   1. Identify types of group presentations.
   2. Employ effective planning for a group presentation.
   3. Demonstrate effective delivery skills for a group presentation.
   4. Particpate in a group presentation.
   5. Critique a group presentation.
9. Use writing to promote learning.