Minh Tran Chapter 13 and 14 Learning outcome 23. List the 5 steps in John Dewey’s Problem Solving Agenda. Why do you think this particular format is used so often in groups looking to make decisions or choices? Why does it help to have an actual agenda to follow? The big reason why I think it much easier to have an actual agenda to follow would be because of the structure and guidance that it brings within itself. This format particularly is used so often in groups that are looking to decide because of how well structured it is. The steps are labeled as follow: Define the Problem (1), Analyze the Problem (2), Generate Possible Solutions (3), Evaluate Solutions (4) and Implement and Assess the Solution (5). I personally think of it as rails to follow when discovering a problem and understanding what solutions there are to solve such issues. When going through the steps, the layout compliments each other because it allows members of a group to discuss and come out with a solution altogether, with each step helping the previous one, it allows the structure to also just be straightforward. 19. Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of small group communication. Do you personally like to participate in groups? Have you had positive or negative experiences? Can you explain what you liked or disliked about them? Does it matter what type of group discussion it is? When talking about small groups communication, the cohesion of a group comes to mind. This cohesion is something that the group could benefit from, which therefore promotes a positive environment within a group. A disadvantage to that would be conflict between others or all in a group, usually from a disagreement or differing viewpoint. For me, groups are something that promotes the way in which we grow and bond with others, so group activities are something that I am firm to believe is beneficial to the overall development of people. Personally, I am lucky enough to have only had positive experiences within a group, a good example would be the unity that was built when I was playing soccer in high school, this bond carried the team throughout the season and made us stronger every time we met or played. With regards to group discussions, I think it does matter the type of discussion, because it defines what road the group will wine down when looking at it through the Dewey process, which could already set a tone for the remainder of that groups time together. 24. How can a group create a positive climate in a small group activity? What type of attitudes would a group want to encourage? What attitudes and behaviors might it discourage? These particular qualities help distinguish a small group from five people who are standing in line to buy tickets for a concert from one that is actually involved in a group process. I think just being open minded is something that needs to be a basic established rule when dealing with a group setting. Sometimes a small group would also like to be motivated through each other, encouragement in the message that being stated, a good quote would be “if you don’t have anything good to say don’t say it”. I know that negative feedback can hurt someone, so just being clearer in different ways we could display feedback could also contribute to the moral of a group. Well defined structure has been following this lesson throughout, so I think another way to have a positive climate are well defined roles (accepted of course), this way everything is structured and ready to begin a discussion. One last thing that I would say is that just listening is Minh Tran important, that links back to being open minded, because listening is a major way that a group can solve problems together.
