Methods of communication with me –

1) Email: smacneil@kaplan.edu

2) Seminar: Weekly Flex Schedule for the entire terma. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST on Wednesdaysb. 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. EST on Thursdays (Mr. Gann)c. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST on Mondays

Must attend 1 entire live session or complete the option 2 assignment each week.

3) AIM – aimseminar any time that you see me on. If you need to meet on AIM at a specific time, please let me know so that we can make arrangements.

* When you e-mail me PLEASE say which course you are in for

example CS 119-01/06. It will make things MUCH easier for me if you can do that.

In seminar, you can messenger me privately by clicking on my name at the left hand side of the seminar screen. I have turned off the ability for you to messenger other students privately, as that seems to be distracting. You can always email other students and ask for their AIM names so that you can contact each other.

Personal Communication and Learning Style

Unit 3 Introduction:In this unit, you will identify your personal communication and individual learning style. Because we are all individuals, we need to learn our own personal styles that will aid us in attaining success in college and in the work place. You will apply this knowledge to develop your own personal approach to communicating and learning. This will help you be more successful in your courses

Unit Outcomes  After completing this unit, you should be able to:  Identify your personal communication learning style  Develop changes in study habits based on personal styles        

Unit 3 Assignments:

• Reading (and more!)

• Course Announcements•Review Readings Link for readings•Learning activities•Virtual field trip

•Journal Assignment • Reflection and free writing

•Seminar Option 1 or 2

• Quiz 3

Your learning style is the way in which you learn most easily and effectively. By identifying this style, you will be able to make the most of your learning environment. Once you identify the ways you learn best, you can modify your study environment and tailor your study experience to meet the needs of your own learning style.  Examples  If you learn better by listening than by reading, you might find it helpful to record yourself reading your assignments and then listen to the tape afterward.  

If you learn best by actively participating in the task, you may find it helpful to experiment with new activities where you can apply the information you have read.

Learning Styles:

Learning Styles:

Three main learning styles:

• Visual• Auditory

• Kinesthetic

Which style are you?

By recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use techniques better suited to you. This improves the speed and quality of your learning.

http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Learning%20Styles%20Explained

Visual Learners: learn through seeing... 

 These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs.  During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

Visual Learners:

Auditory Learners: learn through listening...

They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

Auditory Learners:

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: learn through, moving, doing and touching...   

Tactile/Kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

Kinesthetic Learners:

Which type of learner would most likely….Which type of learner would most likely….

For the following questions answer either:

A=AuditoryV=VisualK=Kinesthetic

1. a. Select music?b. Select a book?c. Select tools or gadgets?

2. a. “Let me try”?b. “Show me”?c. “Tell me”?

3. a. Look at a map?b. Ask for spoken directions?c. Follow your nose & maybe a compass?

4. a. Discuss with friends?b. Read the reviews?c. Try out the product

When buying a gift…

Says…

Concerning travel directions…

Before making a big purchase…

Conceived by Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences are seven different ways to demonstrate intellectual ability.

What are the types of Multiple Intelligence?

1.Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

2.Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music.

3.Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

4.Physical (kinesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

5.Logical (mathematical). You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

6.Social (interpersonal). You prefer to learn in groups or with other. people.

7.Solitary (intrapersonal). You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Multiple Intelligence:

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/

What are some possible career interests / paths?

1.Visual (spatial). ~ navigators, sculptors, visual artists, inventors, architects, interior designers, mechanics, engineers

2.Aural (auditory-musical). ~ musician, disc jockey, singer, composer

3.Verbal (linguistic). ~ Poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, translator

4.Physical (kinesthetic). ~ Athletes, physical education teachers, dancers, actors, firefighters, artisans

5.Logical (mathematical). Scientists, engineers, computer programmers, researchers, accountants, mathematicians

6.Social (interpersonal). ~ Counselor, salesperson, politician, business person

7.Solitary (intrapersonal). ~ Researchers, theorists, philosophers

Multiple Intelligence:

1. Define 1. Define thethe personal personal communication styles.communication styles.

Unit 3 Seminar

Questions:

2. Discuss your individual personal communication

style.

3. How will assertive communication help you at Kaplan (discussion boards,

emails, etc.) and in your future career?

Why assertive communication makes sense?

Being assertive is a core communication skill. Being assertive means that you express yourself effectively and stand up for your point of view, while also respecting the rights of others. Think of it this way: Assertiveness is the sweet spot between being too aggressive and too passive. In addition, being assertive can also help boost self-esteem and earn others' respect.

Because it's based on mutual respect, assertiveness is an effective and diplomatic communication style. Being assertive shows that you respect yourself because you're willing to stand up for your interests and express your thoughts and feelings. It also demonstrates that you're aware of the rights of others and willing to work  on resolving conflicts.

Of course, it's not just what you say — your message — but also how you say it that's important. Assertive communication — which is direct and respectful — gives you the best chance of successfully delivering your message. On the other hand, if you communicate in a way that's passive or aggressive, the content of your message may get lost because people are too busy reacting to your delivery.

The benefits of being assertive

Being assertive offers many powerful benefits. It helps you keep people from walking all over you, as the saying goes. On the flip side, it can also help you from steamrolling others.

Behaving assertively can help you:

Gain self-confidence and self-esteemUnderstand and recognize your feelingsEarn respect from othersImprove communicationCreate win-win situationsImprove your decision-making skillsCreate honest relationshipsGain more job satisfaction

Some research suggests that being assertive also can help people cope better with many mental health problems, including depression, anorexia, bulimia, social anxiety disorder and schizophrenia.

Learning to be more assertiveLearning to be more assertive

People develop different styles of communication based on their life experiences. Your style has probably become so ingrained that you're not even aware of it. Although people tend to stick to the same communication style over time, you can learn to be more flexible in how you communicate. Here are some tips to help you become more assertive: Assess your style. Do you voice your opinions or remain silent? Do you say yes to additional work even when your plate is full? Are you quick to judge or blame? Do people seem to dread or fear talking to you?Use "I" statements. Using "I" statements lets others know what you're thinking without sounding accusatory. For instance, say, "I disagree," rather than, "You're wrong."Practice saying no. If you have a hard time turning down requests, try saying, "No, I can't do that now." Don't beat around the bush — be direct. If an explanation is appropriate, keep it brief.Rehearse what you want to say. If it's challenging to say what you want or think, practice typical scenarios you encounter. For instance, if you want to ask for a raise, practice what you want to say. Say it out loud. It may help to write it out first. Consider role playing with a friend or colleague and ask for blunt feedback.Use body language. Communication isn't just verbal. Act confident even if you aren't feeling it. You may find that your body convinces your brain! Keep an upright posture but lean forward a bit. Make regular eye contact. Maintain a neutral or positive facial expression. Don't wring your hands or use dramatic gestures. It can help to practice in front of a mirror.Keep emotions in check. Conflict is hard for most people. Maybe you get angry or frustrated, or maybe you feel like crying. Although these feelings are normal, they can get in the way of resolving conflict. If you feel too emotional going into a situation, wait a bit if possible. Then, work on remaining calm. Breathe slowly. Keep your voice even and firm.Start small. At first, practice your new skills in situations that are low risk. For instance, try out your assertiveness on a partner or friend before tackling a difficult situation at work. Evaluate yourself afterward and tweak your approach as necessary.

When you need help being assertiveWhen you need help being assertive

Some people appear naturally assertive. But if you tend to be more passive, you can learn to be more direct. Or if you tend to be aggressive, you can learn to tone down your communication style.Remember, learning to be assertive takes time and practice. If you've spent years silencing yourself, becoming more assertive probably won't happen overnight. Or if anger leads you to be too aggressive, you may need to learn some anger management techniques. If despite your best efforts you're not making progress toward becoming more assertive, consider formal assertiveness training. And if issues such as anger, stress, anxiety or fear are getting in your way, consider talking with a mental health provider. The payoff will be worth it. By becoming more assertive, you can begin to express your true feelings and needs more easily. You may even find you get more of what you want as a result.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/assertive/SR00042

Unit 3 ExamUnit 3 Exam*Access Date(s):  2 Feb 2011 – 22 Feb 2011*Can be reviewed in Gradebook on:  01 March 2011 *Number of times Unit 3 Exam can be taken:  Unlimited*Time allowed to complete Unit 3 Exam:  Unlimited*Number of questions: 15*Quiz format: True/False and Multiple Choice

Reminders: Click the "Save Answers" button often If you lose your internet connection during your Unit 3

Exam , logon again and try to access your Unit 3 Exam . If you are unable to enter the Unit 3 Exam , contact your instructor.

You will always be able to see the time remaining in the Unit 3 Exam at the top right of the page .

Please note: Once you click the "Submit for Grade" button, you will NOT be able to edit or change any of your answers

JournalJournalBefore answering the journal, please complete the readings and activities. You need to know your personal communication style and your learning styles. Then reflect on how these affect you. 1.What type of personal learning approach and study habits can you use now that you better understand your learning styles? 2.How will this help you be more successful in your courses? 3.What will you need to change in your study habits and in your study environment? Your journal is only accessible by you and your instructor. Please try to write at least 150 words so that you are thoroughly answering the questions. This assignment is worth 30 points. If you complete the activity, then you earn 30 points. If you do not complete it, then you will earn 0 points.

It is important that you know how to ask for It is important that you know how to ask for academic help, use available resources, and use or academic help, use available resources, and use or create study aids when you need help succeeding on create study aids when you need help succeeding on your academic tasks. You need to identify all resources your academic tasks. You need to identify all resources that are available to you and figure our which ones that are available to you and figure our which ones work best for you in a variety of situations. The work best for you in a variety of situations. The strategies listed below can help you increase your strategies listed below can help you increase your effective use of study aids. You need to try using effective use of study aids. You need to try using various strategies to find out which ones work best for various strategies to find out which ones work best for you.you.

Study Aids

 Identify Possible Study Aids – 1) For each of your courses, make a list of all available resources and study aids that can help you learn class material and study for tests. Consider the following examples: academic coaches, tutors, instructors, classmates, online study groups, online discussions, class handouts, past tests, course syllabi, exam objectives, notes (yours, classmates, or supplemental materials), and features of your reading materials (table of contents, bold words, titles, outlines, objectives, review questions, summaries, marginal notes, graphics, lists of key terms, glossaries, indices and suggested readings or references).

Strategies for Creating and Using Study Aids

Use Study Aids – 1) For each of your classes, choose 5 study aids that are available to you that you think will help you learn the material. 2) For each study aid, describe how, when, where and for what purpose you will use it. For example, you might read a chapter or lesson summary before you begin reading to give you an idea of what the reading is about. When you are finished reading, you might use that same summary to check and see how well you were able to summarize the chapter in your own words.

Create Your Own Study Aids - By creating your own aids you get two benefits: You are able to process the information more thoroughly and organize the information in a way that makes sense to you and it helps you to learn the material at the same time. 1) For each of your courses, consider how useful creating the following study aids would be to you: outlines of important information, lists of key terms, possible test questions, lists of and questions about difficult-to-understand material, notes on readings or presentations, tables, figures, graphic organizers, summaries, and flashcards. 2) For each of your courses, describe three study aids that you will create to help you learn the material. 3) Now create those study aids.

Create a Relationship with Your Instructor or a Support Site for Your Courses –It is important that you use available personnel as a resource. For each of your courses, write 5 questions that you have about the material or about the class in general (e.g., I don’t understand the difference between these concepts. How many questions will be on the next test?). 2) E-mail your instructor (or support person) and ask him or her these questions. Make sure to be polite and unemotional about your questions.

Create a Relationship with Classmates – 1) For each of your courses, list 2-3 classmates that seem to want to learn and care about the class. 2) Write 5 questions that you could ask a classmate about the material or class in general (e.g., I was having trouble with this homework problem, how did you attempt to solve it? Would you like to start a study group? 3) For each of your courses, e-mail, call, or visit, at least one classmate and ask them at least one of your questions.

Use the LASSI Study Aids Module for more ideas and help in creating and using study aids.

More about Learning Styles 

Interactive learning styles (ILS) test: This excellent learning style inventory goes beyond the usual verbal, visual, and kinesthetic. It is free for students to take as long as we offer it to them as an optional activity.  

http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

This chart explains the continuums. This website is also a good resource that gives students tips depending on their learning style

http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm

Mind Tools has a great explanation of the Index of Learning Styles. It also shares how you can change your study habits.

http://www.mindtools.com/mnemlsty.html

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.~Wayne Gretsky

Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.~Frederick

B. Wilcox

A journey of a thousand miles begins within a single step.~Chinese Proverb

The key is not to prioritize what's on the schedule, but to schedule your priorities.~Stephen Covey

All things are difficult before they are easy.~John Norley

Quotes of the Week: