Module 3
Interpersonal Group Skills
Interpersonal Skills
In this module you will learn about interpersonal group skills. These skills will help the groups in your class to communicate effectively with each other and also with you. Interpersonal skills are the different ways in which communication happens between people. These skills are essential for cooperative learning and helping groups to have success. At the end of the module, you will create a set of group norms as an example to show your students. The norms will be the assessment for this module.
Interpersonal skills are vital to a working cooperative group.
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Some examples of interpersonal skills are:
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Verbal communication
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Non-verbal communication
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Listening skills
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Negotiation
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Problem-solving
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Decision-making
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Assertiveness
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We will address each one of these and how to properly use them in a group.
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Verbal communication : Being courteous in a group will create a welcoming environment for everyone. It is important to stay professional in the verbal communication that takes place in a group. If unprofessional communication occurs, it must be immediately addressed as it can completely unravel a group and the work that they put forward.
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Non-Verbal communication: Non-verbal communication and gestures are another form of interpersonal skills. Being self aware of the non-verbal communication that is put forth also will help the group to become more effective.
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Listening skills: Keeping an open mind and listening to everyone's opinions in the group will keep a positive environment for the group.
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Negotiation: Negotiation and compromise in a group help for everyone to be able to contribute while also allowing for everyone's opinions to be heard and carried out effectively.
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Problem - Solving : Being open to different solutions and also being able to create the solutions can be a huge help for any cooperative group. Groups that have this skill will easily be able to carry out tasks and complete challenges.
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Decision- Making: The facilitator plays a huge role in this specific process. Taking all the ideas from the group and creating a decision will help the group to stay forward and on task.
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Assertiveness: Being assertive in a tactful and professional way will help for the group to maintain emotions and make sure that the emotions do not spill over to the challenge or task.
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Module 4 Assessment
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The assessment for this module is to work in your group to create a cooperative learning lesson plan. Please rotate your roles from the roles you did in module 3. Your lesson plan should be for one day and use the template that is for your specific campus. The facilitator should get the group started and keep them on task throughout the assignment. The facilitator can also communicate with the trainer if any help is needed. Practice using at least 5 of the interpersonal skills listed above in your group. They will help the group to become effective and will help the group to complete the challenge.
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Summary
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In this module, interpersonal group skills were discussed. You were also able to role play these skills as you created a lesson plan. Having these skills posted in your classroom or going over them with your students will give them the advantage of working on them continuously and being reminded that they exist.
Click on the following link to go to Module 4
