Nattanart C. ID: 5629258

Assignment on groups and communication in seminar ”Getting together” Pattaya 12-13, October,2013
Experience during freshmen seminar

Assignment 2 : Group Dynamics & communication
Type of activity 1. Describe group activity that was going on a. The topic - goal of group activity
The goal of this group activity is to create harmony, create the identity. To accomplish a task successfully together as a group is to create social identity and pride of being GSB students of Assumption University. Even we are from different places and cultures but we can well fit in together through the activities we participated.

b. The process - What was going on
The first process was a forming stage. In some activities, we were grouped by ourselves. But in some activities, the groups were formed by randomly grouped by color of name tags. There was no clear group purpose and leader yet.
The second process was a storming stage. There were decisions of whom to be the leader. It was not obviously selected but can be noticed when a person in a group say the opinion.
The third process was a norming stage. There were close relationships developed. We get to know each other after a short conversation. Everyone knows their roles and group’s expectation.
The fourth stage was a performing stage. The close relationship fully developed after a while of chatting together. Group members are fully function, understand each other and performing well together. Everyone doing their best to have their group win the activities.
The last stage was the adjourning stage. As we only have limited task to do together. We wrapped up the activities and the group was dissolved.

c. The result
The activities created friendship, harmony and social identity very well. It created strong identity of being GSB students of Assumption. It also develops teamwork skills.
Norms, Roles, Rules * Please describe roles and norms and rules in groups during Group Activity exercise
Seeing from the class performance, everyone play their roles. One of us can play piano so he volunteer to play piano, the other one can sing so she volunteer to sing on stage. Other members in the class act as great audiences giving flowers and cheer up their class presenters. There was no conflict during the activity.
Each member of us has a high standard of norms. Firstly, we couldn’t decide what to perform. So we thinking of everyone danced on stage together. But after we have the volunteers, everyone agreed and accepted and took part by cheering up the presenters while they were on stage.
There were no obvious rules as it was an informal activity. The only thing is that all of the members should fully participate.
Types of groups * What types of groups have emerged or were formally established
For the whole day activities, it was task group because people are grouping together to accomplish a task and then the group dismissed when task accomplished. * How you were working most of the time * in two(pairs) * three or more * or individually
You and the group 2. Describe your role in a group
Active……………………………………..Passive
Leader…………………………………….Follower
Got new friends……………………..Stay with old
Have fun…………………………………Rather bore
Keep close………………………………Keep distance
I was an active one but not the leader. I’d rather follow the opinion of people in the group. I may identify myself as a linker in the group but sometimes also provide direction and follow-thorough like a producer too.
I got some new friends but also stay with old friends. It is better to say that we have a closer relationship among people in the same class and also building a little relationship with students from other classes.
Me and group * There were moments when you felt unhappy * Yes * No
There were no moments that I felt unhappy, only feel bored some times when the activity was too long. * Your ideas were accepted by the group * always * often * sometimes * never
My ideas are sometimes accepted by the group. We always share the opinions.

Group dynamics 3. Describe what was going on in your group * Everybody was active yes…… no….. * Only few students were giving ideas majority was not involved yes…..no…….. * Was it nice and fun for all……….not for all……
It was fun. Most of us were active. Even only few students gave ideas but the majority was involved and agreed to the group decision. Most of students are good followers.
It was nice and fun for all of us. It is a very good chance to get to know more of each other, know more people and closer relationship with other members.

* Was it boring and most of us were looking to the fast end…….was not boring………
It was not too boring. Only in some activities that were too long then we feel a little bit bored.

Group success 4. How successful was your group * Very good first prize * Good second – third prize * Average no prize others were better
It was good. We won first prize in one activity, also second and third prize in other 2 activities.
My experience in groups 5. Describe how do you feel about your activity in groups * Better very active, happy yes….no….. * Bad didn’t like, unhappy yes….no…. * Average anything special yes…..no….
I feel I have a closer relationship with members in class. It was happy with nice atmosphere. * Prefer to come with groups of other friends or family yes……no…..
It is suitable to come with friends in class for this kind of activities.

Cross-cultural communication : Experience from Pattaya Seminar
Communication – general
How you were communicating together 1. Present topics of your discussion
When we were randomly divided as a group by color of name tag, we had a chance to join with exchange students from French but we didn’t have much chance to get to know each other because we have to spend most of our time brainstorming of how to make a greatest progress for the group activity. We share information so the group can make decision from information given. 2. What was the communication flow Upward, downward, lateral – please describe
The communication flow laterally between same level of members as we are a group of friends doing activity together. Opinions and cooperation shared at all time. The communication flow allow time saving, enhance co-ordination of the task among team members, help in solving problem quickly.

3. What languages were used during your session
We speak Thai when we are in the group of Thai and when gather with other nationalities of students, we speak English.

Communication types * How would you describe the communication you had during the Group Activity * Face - to - face * Writing, drawing * Acting, dancing * Singing * Other form – please describe
The form of communication we mostly used is oral communication which is face-to-face. Sometimes dancing and singing are included by some of us.

* What technology was used in communication
No, there was no other technology used because it was the face-to-face and simultaneous activities which required decision and action at that point of time.

Communication between cultures * Please present what is your knowledge about students from different countries
It is obvious that European students are more confident in giving ideas and acting in activities than Asian students. Asian students are not very good at creating or giving ideas but they are good at applying and following the instruction. In term of speaking, each different nationality has different dialect and tones which may cause confusion in communication. Based on cultural context, European prefer casual communication with relaxed atmosphere than a formal one while Asian people are more rely on formal and status.

* One nationality of students will present their views about another nationality basing on the following criteria:
Students from France * Character * behavior * ambitions * world views * nation history and achievements

Who is telling about whom (you may do it individually or in groups) 1. Chinese on Myanmar 2. India on Thai 3. Myanmar on Lao 4. Thai on India 5. Lao on French 6. Thai on French 7. Other

Example * Character:
Fast …………………….Slow
Open……………………Closed
Aggressive…………. Calm
Self-Confident………Shy
Close……………………Distant
Patient………………...Impatient
High Ethics……………Low Ethics
Polite……………………Impolite
Other characteristics by your own

Example
World views * Show interests globally…………..limited to local * Knowledgeable of the world including own country……………………………Not enough knowledge * Open minded………………………Close mind
Other description of your own

Evaluate your communication skills * Are you an effective communicator * Yes * No * Describe your statement in details why you consider yourself good or not a good communicator