Adjourning/Closing Statement (Farewell)

Hello everyone! We have reached our final week of the course and I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing such resourceful information via discussion and blog postings over the weeks. Although we are coming to and end and closure is quite helpful, I feel as though if we would like to make a difference in the lives of children and families and bring forth diverse education and learning styles then team building is very important. We are most likely to work better as a team and push for changes in policy, diversity, government funding, equity and justice to all families regardless of race, culture, ethnicity etc. Effective team building requires respect, interdependence, trust and empathy among all professionals and colleagues within a specific group. I appreciate that each of us have brought something unique and completely different, yet helpful, to the table over the past 8 weeks. If you guys would like to keep in contact or should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesistate to email @ passionmakella@gmail.com!

I expect to keep in contact with as many of you as possible for my personal and professional growth! Please leave your emails and/or phone numbers below!

Goodluck and God Bless YOU ALL!!!

Passion Sims -xoxo

** Stages of Team Development **

I feel as though high performing teams are not easy to leave but the members are easier to work with because everyone within the group are interdependent and highly motivated to get the job done. Forming bonds with high performing team members is essential when considering future projects. Groups with clearly established norms are more effective to work with because each members has grown to respect the opinions and differences of others within the team. It is easier to work through conflicts because team members have established trust. With trust being established the team is able to work towards a common goal. One of the groups that I participated in that was hardest to leave had to have been my childhood dance group. At the end of the season the coaches held a banquet and slumber party for myself and all of the members of our dance group, most of us said our goodbyes and parted ways, some of us kept in touch after the season.

I feel as though I will keep in touch with a few of my colleagues during the adjourning phase of this Master's program. The adjourning phase is abruptly approaching, I have about 4 more courses after this one and I will be completely finished with my Master's Degree. I hope that I can keep in touch with colleagues in order to establish bonds, share and exchange information and utilize resources. I appreciate the discussion forums because they allow us to get to know one another, converse, and exchange important information. Adjourning is an essential stage of team building because it it allows group members to reflect on their accomplishments and decide whether or not to part ways or whether or not they will take on future projects.

Conflicts and Disagreements.

Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective.

The first strategy that I can use that may help me manage and resolve conflict more productively is by being more respectful of the person in which I am engaging in conflict with. In the field of EC, it is important to develop respectful relationships with families, children, colleagues, and members of organizations, if we would like to gain an understanding, acceptance and respect for diversity and the different schemas and perspectives of others. Respect allows us an opportunity to engage in productive conflict and healthy debates. Often times people only want us to understand from there level of perception by giving them the courtesy of respect and attentiveness. 

The second strategy that I can use to help manage and resolve conflict more productively is compassion and empathy, in other words nonviolent forms of communication. Traits such as empathy, respect and compassion allows professionals to foster strong and positive bonds with families and colleagues in order to promote what is in the best interests for development and needs of all children. When we focus on doing things from the heart and relating to one another, it makes communicating more effective. 

Can you guys share advice, resources or tips on how to be more effective communicators in the field of EC studies. I am open to learning and continuing my growth as a professional.