DQ1 In the interest of conducting a lively, engaging discussion, please keep the following in mind:   Opposing viewpoints are important to any vibrant discussion, but remember to use internet etiquette and be respectful of your classmates’ views and opinions. Provide constructive feedback or ask clarifying questions if you do not understand a classmate’s comment. […]

When thinking critically about research or a claim, the first step is to figure out exactly what they are talking about. This is especially true when you are reading a journalist’s presentation of research. Often the headline makes a strong claim (e.g., “[fill in the blank] Causes Cancer”) that the research itself does not make […]

What is “shaping”?  Explain how you would use “shaping” to teach a sloppy middle-school child to keep their room clean.  You decide how to define “clean,” but I suggest you be reasonable and shoot for an acceptable target.  Hint:  Reinforce small steps.  You are not going to go for the whole room at once.    […]

What was your classroom experience like in elementary school? What does instructional time break down in U.S. classrooms look like for you?    What are the key differences in teaching styles between the U.S. and Japan?   Why is it problematic when the majority of time is spent on individual work as opposed to group […]

Communication is symbolic.        We communicate using words, but the words are only symbols, not the actual objects themselves. Communication involves words, pictures, sounds, and marks, all of which may represent something else.   Communication involves a shared meaning.        When you speak with a friend, and she tells you of […]

Outline Worksheet and Final Paper Pre-Planning Building on your assignment from Week 2, this week you will expand on your topic and develop a thesis statement and an outline for your Final Paper.   Prepare: This is the second step in writing your Final Paper, so please be sure to re-review the POL201 Assignment GuidePreview […]

Conflicts are part of interpersonal communication. You will not be in lock-step agreement with a person all of the time. The best approach to handling conflicts is head-on. Conflicts can be healthy and hold positive possibilities.   First, let’s examine the concept. Conflicts are personal. Make no mistake about it. That is why some of […]

The concept of personality has evolved through many theorists. Some state that traits are what make you who you are, others rely on the unconscious, while others consider genetics and your thought process. A variety of theorists have contemplated how personalities are shaped and what aspects of growth are most important. The five key theories […]

If you are asked what language you speak, is it enough to say that you speak English, Spanish, or French? There are multiple versions of just about every language. Regional and national differences are important. There’s Southern English and California English just as there is British, Australian, and Indian English. More than that, there are […]

We tend to think of communication as something that happens with words, either written or spoken. The truth of communication is that a great deal of how we communicate happens nonverbally, through our facial expressions, posture, gestures, and qualities of our voice. In fact, since verbal communication is much more difficult to control consciously, many […]