In my opinion, an individual is faced with group challenges daily, specifically within their work environment and with their family. Within these separate groups, there are similarities. Each individual has a role that can be defined specifically by being assigned, or just develop naturally. The roles of an individual give the sense of belonging to something. Everyday groups are also faced with decision-making, and individuals can work together to make sure they are effectively solving the problem they are faced with. Another way they are alike, is that within both of these groups you’re given opportunities to give your ideas freely and openly within certain aspects. This way, you have something to bounce your ideas off of and get opinions before you finalize. “The bottom line is that much of our success in the workplace is a product of how well we work with other people. This can often be determined by the way we function in smaller groups.” (NJBiz, 2009)
My participation on a learning team will be an important contribution to my professional growth by allowing me to extend my group communication skills with new individuals, and properly learn how to work effectively with others. This is important because in the profession of teaching, dependent upon your school district, you will be working with various types of personalities through short or long periods of time. After all, you only have a class of students for an approximate 9-10 month period, and then you are faced with a new group and new challenges to overcome together. This learning team will allow me to work with individuals within my same class towards a common goal. I am looking forward to this exchange and the Learning team assignment of groups.
Sources
(n.d). Group Communication. Encyclopedia of Communication and Information, 2372-376. Retrieved from Gale: Gale Virtual Reference Library (PowerSearch) database.
(2009). Keys to effective group communication. njbiz, 22(32), 12. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.