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COMM-1010-047: Elements of Effective Communication

Case Study #12: Choosing a College

Submitted By:

Carrillo, Faith | Deklerk, Jacob | Farnsworth, George

Gregerson, Steve | Libby, Krysti | Petersen, Kelsey | Vadnais, Henry

Salt Lake Community College 04/05/2012

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 2 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 Project Description.......................................................................................................................... 3 Methods........................................................................................................................................... 4

Part 1: P=Problem ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Problem Question.................................................................................................................... 4 Problem Stated as Open-Ended Question ............................................................................... 4

Part 2: A=Analyze the Problem ................................................................................................................ 5

Analysis of Problem ................................................................................................................ 5

Characteristics ......................................................................................................................... 5 Stakeholders ............................................................................................................................ 8

History or Background ............................................................................................................ 8 Policies/Politics ....................................................................................................................... 9

Resources ................................................................................................................................ 9 Part 3: C=Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 10

General Goal ......................................................................................................................... 10

Specific Criteria .................................................................................................................... 10 Part 4: B=Brainstorm ............................................................................................................................... 11

Brainstorm Possible Solutions .............................................................................................. 11 Part 5: O=Organize .................................................................................................................................. 11

Solution Analysis .................................................................................................................. 11

Narrowed List of Solutions ................................................................................................... 12 Chart ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Possible Negative Consequences .......................................................................................... 12

Final Solution ........................................................................................................................ 12 Part 6: Y=Yes We Can! ............................................................................................................................. 13

Implementation of Solution .................................................................................................. 13 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 14 Works Cited .................................................................................................................................. 15 Appendix 1: Team USA Contract ................................................................................................. 16

Appendix 2: Chart – Solution Analysis ........................................................................................ 17 Appendix 3: Member Participation Points .................................................................................... 18

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Executive Summary

This report entails the research that “Team USA” conducted in hopes of providing valuable

solutions to a common problem that students of Salt Lake Community College face after

completing their associates. The problem that arises for students after graduating from SLCC, is

which school to attend next for a bachelor’s degree. Choosing a University to attend is a big

decision and many factors or considerations come into play such as costs, program availability

and curriculum, as well as location.

By using the reflective thinking sequence by John Dewey we were able to break down our

problem into several tasks including: the problem’s definition, characteristics and criteria,

solutions, implementing solutions and evaluating these solutions making adjustments as

necessary. (Adler & Elmhorst p. 248)

Our group met up on several occasions to complete these tasks. Because there wasn’t a definite

solution to our problem we brought forth several solutions that one could incorporate into their

decision of choosing a school to attend, in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree. From several of

the solutions that TeamUSA brainstormed together, the final solution we all agreed upon that

would best solve this issue was determining which school provided professors that conducted

effective communication which would suite the student’s needs. This solution was selected

because members of the group TeamUSA felt by having professors that communicate thoroughly

and efficiently will ultimately affect a student’s way of learning and understanding. Students

would be able to keep up with class activities, lectures and concepts when effective

communication exists. In return the student will have gained a greater knowledge, education and

appreciation in their studies and future career.

Project Description

Our dream as college students is to obtain higher education at the most beneficial university for

our individual needs. This is a very tough decision given the fact that we have limited finances

and would like to stay close to home. We have decided to attend a college that meets some of

the following criteria: it has to excel in particular areas of study, preferably small class sizes,

high rated professors, and it won’t break our bank accounts.

We know that education is a priority in our life right now, and we want to have the best

experience possible while fulfilling our degree, and moving onto our dream job.

We are Team USA, a workgroup comprised of seven SLCC students in COMM 1010. Our

project was to figure out how to make the best decision possible in choosing a college to transfer

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to after the completion of our degree at Salt Lake Community College. We could’ve just made a

decision based on popularity or peer pressure, but we decided to dig deep to figure out what

works best for us. Our group discussed these issues several times online and once in person.

While encouraging everyone to do their part and participate, we came up with several ideas to

help us make a final decision.

This is an important decision in our lives and we decided to help each other out in the process.

The ideas presented in this study will help us feel comfortable and safe about the big decision yet

to be made.

Methods

To commence the project, our team in Week 1 – Task #1, formed our Team Contract of Group

Norms and Roles (see Appendix 1). Utilizing the ‘Reflective Thinking Sequence’ (Adler &

Elmhorst p. 248), we stepped through this time tested technique for groups to find

comprehensive solutions to problems.

The solutions detailed in this Methods section outline our research and solutions as we stepped

through the process of the project.

At the end of the project we tallied participation points assigned to each member as defined by

their contributions to the project (see Appendix 3).

Part 1: P=Problem

Problem Question "Which college should I transfer to after I complete my degree at SLCC?"

Problem Stated as Open-Ended Question

“Which college of my choosing is in close proximity, would enhance my learning and education

as well as fulfill my financial capabilities while obtaining a bachelor’s degree?”

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Part 2: A=Analyze the Problem

Analysis of Problem

Our team felt we must clearly understand and weigh out our options before we choose a college

to attend after SLCC. First, we need to know what colleges are in our area. Searching the

colleges in your area ahead of time will be less stressful when it comes time to choose a college.

Second, you must enhance your search of colleges near you to see which possible programs that

those colleges have to offer. Third, use all of the resources that SLCC has to offer. Meeting the

various colleges that visit SLCC can most likely answer your question. Finally, do not give up if

one of the colleges that you have looked into does not have the program that you want. It should

not be the end-of-the-road if you have to go out of state to get something this important.

All too often people make the wrong decision as to which college or university to go to. People

make this decision on whether their friends are going there, what kind of “fun things” there are to

do around the campus, or they are even just too lazy to do the research to figure out which one

would be best for them individually.

By considering the cost, school criteria, location and many other things about a school we are

more able to make a practical decision; a decision that will help us meet life goals through

gaining an education in the field we desire.

Characteristics

What are the symptoms of the problem? Include positive as well as negative aspects of the

current situation.

a.) Cost

Pros:

-by paying for more education will give you a bachelor’s degree, making you stand out

more when applying for jobs

-paying more for school will give you a better education and understanding in your

career field

-you will be offered a higher salary than others without a bachelor’s degree

Cons:

-a higher degree such as a Bachelor’s means more money

-more school loans

-possibly may need part time job during schooling to pay for expenses

-funding may not be readily available

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b.) School Criteria

Pros:

-different schools will have different requirements/criteria which will give you a greater

knowledge of your field of study

-courses may be easier

-courses may have more focus and emphasis on your field of study

Cons:

-may need to take additional courses to apply

-may need to re-take courses that the college accepts

-courses may be harder

c.) Location

Location can be a big factor in choosing a school to attend. With high expenses of school tuition

it is not uncommon for students to live at home with their parents. By attending a school near

home students can have the benefit of saving on extra out of state tuition charges, rent and other

living expenses. Staying at home will also provide the student with ease and comfort from

family and friends as well as being able to maintain current life style and jobs that the student

may have. Sometimes in school programs there are volunteer or internship opportunities that can

possibly lead to career opportunities after school which would also be convenient for the student

if they were wanted to begin a career near home. On the other hand attending a school outside of

Utah can have its benefits such as giving the student an opportunity to live with roommates and

experience paying for rent and household items. Living in another area other than Utah can also

expose the student to different cultures, ways of life and possible career opportunities. In order

to achieve the student’s wants of attending a school in close proximity, falling within their

financial budget and providing the best education possible, the best solution would to attend a

school within the state. This will allow the student to fulfill all three issues that were preventing

the student from making a final decision on which school to attend.

Staying in Utah:

Pros:

-wouldn’t have to pay out of state tuition

-be closer to family, friends and home

-familiar with the area

-can give you internships, volunteer work that can possibly lead to a job after graduation

-could live with family/parents without having to pay for rent and household items

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Staying in Utah:

Cons:

-stuck in same lifestyle situation

-don’t get experience living on your own/roommates

-possibly limited to career opportunities only within the state

Outside of Utah:

Pros:

-new learning experience

-exposure to different ways of living/cultures

-possibly new and different career opportunities after graduation

-schooling may be easier/shorter

Outside of Utah:

Cons:

-having to pay out of state tuition

-having to come up with money for rent/household items

-possibly having to find a part time job to pay for expenses

-having to find a place to live

-having to learn around a new city

d.) Top Notch School Ranking:

Pros:

-different schools are known according to the type of education you receive some more

prestigious than others which will benefit your learning and studies

-going to a school that is well known will stand out on resume possibly providing

recognition during the applying/hiring process

-may provide internships/volunteer/job shadowing opportunities that expose you into

your career field

-may provide a better curriculum increasing your expertise in your field of study

-may provide a faculty known for great teaching abilities

Cons:

-maybe pricier than a school ranking lower on the scale

-may require addition courses/pre-requisites

-may require you to move to a different state or country

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Stakeholders

We want to further our education and obtain a Bachelor’s degree, but in order to do this; we need

to decide on a University to attend. The decision that we make could possibly affect several

groups of people, including our families, friends, and work.

If family is going to help with the expenses of an education, this decision could affect how they

live depending on how much it costs. It could be a risk for them putting money into this, while

not knowing the end results. It will also affect relationships because families like their children

to remain close, but there could be a possibility of being far away for the best education.

Hopefully in the end a families’ goal is to help their budding college student find happiness.

A student’s social life will also be affected greatly due to the fact that they might be away from

current friends and have to establish a new social setting. They could still be close to current

friends, but with all the homework expected, it could take its toll on relationships. The goal of

friends is often to stay close while pursuing their futures.

The job a student may currently have might provide great security and wonderful benefits. If

they move away, they could be taking the risk trying to find new work. Their employers may

lose an experienced and well trained worker, but their willingness to accommodate to

educational needs may also affect the students end decision, should they attend locally. Though

students cannot forget that the goal of having a job is to have an income and benefit from the

learning experiences of employment.

History or Background

What solutions have been tried in the past to solve similar problems? How well have these

solutions worked? Whom have these solutions helped? Whom have they hindered? How do

you know?

The uses of internet, books, and communicating with your peers are some ways of which similar

problems have been solved. These solutions work very well with dedication to solve the

problem. Communicating with your peers is the most effective way to get an opinion based

answer along with their feedback. These solutions have helped anyone who wanted a solid

answer to their question. Solving your problem questions especially the ones pertaining to what

college you will attend all depend on you and how badly you questions answered. People who

put off these questions until the last minute will make it only more difficult for them to find the

right solution to their problem. I know this from experience which I have learned and grown

from.

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Policies/Politics

Each student may have considerable concerns when researching to attend a university to finish

their degree. These are not limited to political, but also policies that affect one’s personal

expression may also affect their decision; here are some examples:

Is the institution more liberal vs. conservative?

Would a dress code hamper my style and creativity?

Does the curriculum fix the context of my degree?

Will I be sacrificing my own opinions to fit in the political construct of the university,

just for prestige?

Are their policies flexible for my lifestyle such as offering more classes on-line?

Can I navigate easily the school policies?

From a Professional Requirements perspective, you might consider:

Is the institution considered credible to my future profession (ask this during an

‘Informational interview’)?

Does the institution have ties to my future profession whereby I may get ‘job placement’

opportunities?

Resources

There are many references out there available out there for help us to make decisions on what

collage to go to after SLCC. One could be an Expert opinion- when a single person has the

knowledge or skill to make as informed decision, the group/person may be best served by relying

on his or her expert opinion. (Pg. 257, Alder/Elmhorst). This person might be a guidance

counselor at SLCC who has helped students in the past. Other options could be a family member,

friend, or fellow classmate who has previously been in the same situation and could give helpful

pointers that will be best for someone’s education and future. The decision is ultimately up to the

person leaving SLCC, and any insight will help them make a better decision on where to go next.

There are many different resources available when considering which college or university to

attend after SLCC. Here are a few that we have come up with:

Alumni: Talking to and even interviewing alumni from the university you are research can be a

great resource. These people have been there for an extended period of time and can tell you the

good and bad about the university. You can also ask them the question "Why did you choose this

university?" Their input can be very beneficial in your final decision.

College Tours: College tours will give you a chance to actually get on the campus and see what

it’s like. A lot of people, including myself, have a hard time working in environments that are

foreign or uncomfortable. Taking a tour of the college can help you to become comfortable and

gain knowledge of the campus.

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Websites: University websites can help you gain a lot of information about the university as well.

This would be the first step to take for me because it would be the easiest. You can learn a lot,

such as what classes they provide, what degrees they provide or specialize in, and how many

students go to the university.

One other thought is 'on-line reviews' of the degree programs available directly from the

anticipated university and 3rd

party sites like the following:

Online Oriented Degree reviews - http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/

Military Oriented Institution reviews –

http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/college/american-military-university-reviews/

Doctoral program reviews - http://www.doctoralprograms.org/

Part 3: C=Criteria

An important step to finding solutions to any problem is to first develop a list of criteria that need

to be solved, without providing solutions then and there. As we learned during this project, the

key to success is following the sequence of steps as defined in the text.

General Goal

Our main goal is to find a college of our choosing that will meet our own personal learning and

educational needs in obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, without feeling too much of a financial

burden or compromising our abilities.

Specific Criteria

We then discussed what specific criteria we should have to assist our goal. Some of the topics

included:

1. Finding the right Professors 2. Location, in-state or out-of-state 3. Meets personal budgets 4. Various resources to research 5. Suitable for all the students wants/needs 6. Facilitate multiple degrees should desires change 7. Specialize degrees 8. Other friends attending 9. Low campus crime rate 10. Many online options

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Part 4: B=Brainstorm

Brainstorm Possible Solutions

Some of our brainstorming ideas included:

Visit college campuses, talk to advisors and financial aid offices

Talk to others who graduated in my field of study for advice

Meditate and pray

Gut feeling

Go where family has gone to school

Find a college with highly ranked professors

Excels in a particular area of study

Which college will give me the results I want, sooner

Work for my commute, current living standard, and family

Highest rated college that fits my needs

Offers opportunity for internship, volunteering, or career experience

Part 5: O=Organize

Solution Analysis

In Week 2-Task #3 we narrowed our list of several criteria as follows:

1. Apply principles of effective communication that we are learning in the class.

2. Be achievable within our four week time frame.

3. Meets personal budgets.

4. Will be practical and in our scope/ability to solve

5. Be most beneficial/obtainable for the students wants/needs

6. Provide options for the student not limiting them in one direction.

7. Provide and specialize in a degree of choosing.

From that list we made a solutions chart during Week 3-Task #4, where we refined our solutions

and criteria into a manageable list that we could vote on.

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Narrowed List of Solutions

1. School Ranking

2. Costs

3. Location

4. Effective teachers to communicate my needs

5. Meets time-frame

6. School criteria

7. Career choice

Chart

See our completed chart in Appendix 2.

Possible Negative Consequences

Some of the possible negatives in continuing on the path to a degree fall under the basic human

emotions of wants and need, coupled with the reality of ‘time’. “Do I have time to research the

best college, or is one as good as the next for my field of choice?”

Along those same lines is ‘desire’. “With a large percentage of dropouts, will I become a part of

that statistic?”

On the practical side, a student may simply have to sacrifice living at home to as an education is

more important than where they live. This decision may have alternate benefits such as saving

money on gas, distractions of old friends and a need for independence.

The college found may also be out of a student’s price range but has all that they’re looking for.

The silver lining in this contingency would be that it will better prepare you for the workplace

and increase your chances when applying for higher paying jobs.

Transferring to a remote college can seem exciting, especially when looking at the 10 colleges

with the most transfer students (Hopkins, 2011), but what if I feel homesick?

Final Solution

The solution that received the highest score was finding the ‘Highest Rated Professors’. This

stands to reason as your education is only as good as those that teach you. So finding the best,

coupled with a student’s own initiative should yield a top educated candidate for the work force.

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Part 6: Y=Yes We Can!

Implementation of Solution

From our top 4 solutions that conform best to the needs of our criteria, we recommend the

following to any future students preparing to transfer to 4-year College for their degree.

Step 1: Highest Rated Professors

Research the Professors via sites like RateMyProfessors.com

Step 2: Best for your financial needs

Find that optimal blend of on-site vs. off-site, in-state vs. out-of-state, and high-ranking

vs. lesser known – then review which best fits your student loan or family support

options.

Step 3: Excels in a particular area of study

Obviously if you find a college that conforms to steps 1 and 2, then you’ll want to ensure

that it is known and ranked for its graduation of students in your field of choice.

Step 4: Smallest Class Size

Having some one-on-one time with your professor to answer those confusing questions

can improve your grades, if this is a need of yours, then a smaller more personable

college would be your goal.

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Conclusion

TeamUSA, comprised of seven members, derived the best possible criteria and solutions in

“Choosing a College” to complete our four year degrees. Using the ‘Reflective Thinking

Sequence’, we took the necessary steps to analyze the problem, derived solutions to our list of

criteria, reviewed and coordinated our meetings to further research, postulated ideas and refined

our results until we concluded with the best possible solution for our defined problem.

Our conclusion, based from our research and unified opinions resulting from our chart in

Appendix 2, is that isolating the best professors for your degree is first and foremost important,

followed by financial fit and best in particular field of study. Each student will need to perform

some research at sites like RateMyProfessors.com and review college rankings at sites like

USNews to improve the ability to make the best decision possible.

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Works Cited

Adler, R., & Elmhorst, J. (2010). Comm 1010: Salt lake community college. (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Hopkins, K. (2011, April 12). 10 colleges with most transfer students. US News: Education Colleges, Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/04/12/10-colleges-with-most-transfer-students

Embedded Link Page 13 http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/topLists11/topLists.jsp

Embedded Link Page 13 http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings

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Appendix 1: Team USA Contract

Class: COMM-1010-047

Semester: Spring 2012

Dated: 02/21/2012

Team Member Contact Cel Contact E-mail Task & Relational Role

Carillo, Faith 801-831-2043 faishur3@yahoo.com Opinion Giver

Deklerk, Jacob 801-792-0806 jdeklerk34@gmail.com Diagnoser

Farnsworth , George 801-889-9195 corbinfarnsworth@gmail.com Opinion Seeker

Gregerson, Steven 801-577-9033 steve@gekko.us Starter or energizer

Libby, Krysti 801-413-8439 krystilibby@gmail.com Summarizer

Petersen, Kelsey 801-750-3482 Kpetersen820@gmail.com Gatekeeper

Vadnais , Henry 801-755-3391 eh_hockey_88@hotmail.com Reality Tester

Team Relational Norms

We will arrive on time for meetings as we value each other’s time.

We will avoid side conversations during meetings as we know meeting online is tough enough to hold.

We will be patient in responding online given we know we can’t read minds

As we strive to do the best we can on this assignment, we will each be selfless and diligent in the

process of completing this project. This means working as a team and making our group goals

priority.

We commit to making our group goals a priority in the process of completing this project and

striving towards excellence in improving our teamwork skills.

We are understanding of personal lives and can understand missing meetings or assignments due to

personal reasons as long as it’s not on a regular basis.

Task Norms

If we have to miss the meeting, we are ok with follow up meetings, however each member will need to

catch up their individual post prior to the follow up meeting

We agree to not use this meeting for off-topic discussions or venting

We will respect the opinions of all present

When the unexpected comes up and we have to miss a meeting, we will make sure to send our

information to each member of the team at least one day in advance.

We agree to show up at meetings on time and will notify other members in advanced if one cannot

make the scheduled meeting time.

We agree to give assignments to others that are within their ability to accomplish and understand.

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Appendix 2: Chart – Solution Analysis

Week 3: Task #4 – Chart Organization of Criteria and Solutions

Highest

Rated

Professors

Excels in a

particular

area of

study

Best for

your

financial

needs

Perform

informational

interviews with

companies see

where they

graduated

Smallest

Class Size

Take

school

tour/speak

to

instructors

in the

program

SCHOOL RANKING: e.g.

Deciding which college

is best for my field

3 4 5 2 3 1

COSTS: e.g. How to fund

my Bachelors 4 4 3 2 3 2

LOCATION: e.g. Housing

Needs, Family etc. 4 3 3 2 2 2

EFFECTIVE TEACHERS

TO COMMUNICATE MY

NEEDS: E.g. listens to

your questions and

provides answers for the

best grades

3 3 4 2 2 2

MEETS TIME-FRAME:

e.g. can provide my

degree as quickly as

possible

2 5 4 2 2 2

SCHOOL CRITERIA: E.g.

Provides options just in

case I change my degree

choice

3 3 3 2 3 4

CAREER CHOICE: E.g.

What field do I want to

go into & How much do

jobs in my field make?

4 3 2 4 3 4

Totals: 23 21 22 19 21 13

CRITERIA

SOLU

TIO

NS

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Appendix 3: Member Participation Points

Week 4: Task #4 – Distribution of Participation

Justification Criteria:

1. Attended each meeting either live, proxy or post contributions 2. Completed their assigned tasks 3. Contributed thoughts or ideas beneficial to the group as a whole 4. Willingness to take on group task voluntarily (took one for the team, beyond regular assignments e.g.

consolidating and posting charts, coordinating meetings)

Members (Last name, First name) Points Justification for

this allocation

(refer to above

list)

Specific contributions and Additional

Comments

Carillo, Faith 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: History

Week 3 – Task 5: Effective Teachers

Week 3 – Prep Report – Works Cited

Deklerk, Jacob 9 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Stakeholders

Week 3 – Task 5: Meets Time Frame

Week 3 – Prep Report – Project Description

Farnsworth, George 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Resources

Week 3 – Task 5: Career Choice

Week 3 – Prep Report – Table of Contents

Gregerson, Steven 14 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Politics & Policies

Week 3 – Task 5: School Ranking

Week 3 – Prep Report – Methods

Libby, Krysti 11 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Politics & Policies

Week 3 – Task 5: Costs

Week 3 – Prep Report – Title Page

Petersen, Kelsey 12 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Characteristics

Week 3 – Task 5: Location

Week 3 – Prep Report – Executive Summary

Vadnais, Henry 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Resources

Week 3 – Task 5: School Criteria

Week 3 – Prep Report – Conclusion