Remember
that COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
PRESENTED BY THE ELMHURST COLLEGE LEARNING CENTER
COMMUNICATION IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY IN ORDER FOR ANY STUDY GROUP TO FUNCTION. IF YOUR GROUP FOLLOWS THE GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW, YOU WILL THAT THE GROUP WILL FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AND MORE TASKS WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN LESS TIME.
1. Learn each other's names, even nicknames.
2. Only ONE person should speak at a time. Each person
should also be allowed to complete his or her statement
before others begin to make comments.
3. Be active listeners. An active listener is one who
listens for the complete comment and asks for
clarification if needed. Active listeners also try
to make connections between comments and speakers.
Active listening is sometimes HARD WORK.
4. Everyone should add something to the discussion. The
something does not always have to be an answer. It
might be a question, an example, a connection to a
real world activity.
5. Criticism should always be constructive. Name
calling, insults, and sometimes jokes have no
place in a study group. These behaviors may result
in hurt feelings. The worst case scenario is that
a person may choose to forego attending the study
group. In the end, the group becomes the loser.
6. Maintain a positive
attitude. Remember
that
you are all participating in the learning process.
The phrases "I'll never get it", "We're a dumb
group", "There's no hope" SHOULD BE "We can
figure this out together", "We're rather clever
as a group", "We all have a chance to better our
grades."
7. Finally, develop a list of the names, mailbox numbers,
and phone numbers of all group members. Exchange
the list and use it as needed. Try not to use it as
a napkin at your favorite fast food restaurant. One
day you may really need the information in a hurry.