James Alex T.

Habaradas April 10, 2019

Ph.D Student

Educ 404- Group Dynamics

2nd Semester A.Y 2018-2019

1. In Team Building there are 3 issues that need to be addressed. These are (1)
What keeps the team from being effective? (2) What changes could improve the
team effectiveness?(3) What is the team doing effectively now that you want to
continue to do? Explain each issue relative to your own organization and find way
how to address these issues.

In every institution, there will always be conflict of ideas and interests in every
members. This is where the leaders and members take into action amidst their
individual differences; they must work hand in hand to be more productive and
effective in reaching their goal. Being a member of Department of Education is
challenging; you need to follow the directions from your superiors from the
department as well as your school heads. Being in conflict with your co-teachers is
just a normal thing especially when giving grades and letting a student pass who
does not deserve it at all. Another thing is additional workload from the principal and
head teachers and also their decisions that keep on changing. These are the common
complaints of teachers. This is where conflict arises from principals,head teachers ,
teachers and staff. For me the ingredients to keep the team from being effective is
constant communication, openness, acceptance and belongingness. Effective
communication results to clear understanding of the task given. Not only is
communication of the project goal vital, but frequent updates of the task is also
important. In our case, we use technology as an advantage, we made a group chat
wherein communication is being relayed aside from printed letters. Openness to
ideas and objections of every member of the group is a healthy one. One of my
experiences in school is that some of the teachers are not voicing out their
complaints and queries instead they keep on whining on their seats. Lack of
openness leads to ineffective performance. Acceptance is a double edge sword, it is
hard to accept some decisions decided by the majority, but you need to accept it
with open arms even it hurts you so bad, because you are in a group and decisions
are made based on the decision of the majority. Lastly is belongingness if you don’t
feel you belong to a group, you are ineffective in a sense that your ideas are not
being counted. If you feel you belong to the group, you strive hard to reach the
common goal of the organization. It keeps your desire burning knowing that you are
on the same track with your co-workers.
In my case our school is in gradual transition, because we have our new principal.
And our school is composed of old and new teachers there is a gap that needs to fill
in. Aside from that there is already an existing conflict within the teachers. In order
for this gaps to be filled programs and activities intended for the teachers must be
realized. Programs and must be holistic in such a way that it touches the mind,heart
and spirit. Weekly team building such as Zumba, Inspirational Movie, yoga and team
building activities will help teachers physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.
Monthly evaluation and open forum is also healthy in the sense that teachers and
staff have the time to evaluate and give feedback to improve the existing system.
Recollection during semestral and summer break help mend broken relationship,
due to the stress, deadlines and individual principles. It also unload the person of the
existing baggages (hatred, jalousy and etc.) and start the semester renew and
empowered. As of the moment in our school we already started with the team
building weekly, but the problem is inconsistency and there are only few teachers
who participate because its optional. This kind of activity must be participated by
everybody and it needs to be consistent. Monthly evaluation , open forum, and
recollection needs to be apply in our school because we lack this kind of programs. If
this programs implemented it will produce harmonious relationship between
administrators,faculty and stop. If there is no conflict teachers can do the work
smoothly and if teamwork and trust was already build no matter how difficult the
work is it will run smoothly.

2. Effective communication is important in a group. Identify different factors that

influence Effective communication and explain their relevance in improving group
dynamics.

Communication is the mutual exchange of understanding, originating with the

receiver. It is required that communication be effective in teaching and learning
process.
These are some of the factors that influence effective communication; clarity of
words, content or message, affective filter, environment and purpose or intention.
First, clarity of words play a beneficial role in terms of exchanging information, since
in an institution, it is being emphasized that when you speak or write your thoughts
and information, words must be clear and concise. If one does not speak or write the
message clearly, then there will be undeniably a misunderstanding, but if it is
presented otherwise then surely an accord will be done easily.
 Second, content or message, as considered to be the heart of communication, is
the most important part which needs to be delivered accurately. In a large group, it
is a must that the speaker is able to deliver the message across the line, free from
idiosyncrasies and must remain truthful and unbiased. Troubles are usually formed
by malfunctioned and unreliable message. As an educator, we stand by truth and
integrity, therefore our message must always be crystal clear and concise.
Third, affective filter, or the emotional state of both the speaker and receiver
can also lead us to effective communication when we mind the current emotion or
mood of both parties. For instance, if one feels mad about something and you
approached him/her, then probably he/she can not give his/her entire focus and
sound response to what you are conveying. In a group with diverse background and
differences, the leader must be able to decipher how and when to hold an exchange
of information.
Fourth, environment, can also be considered essential especially when holding a
big event or urgent meetings for instance. The place must be conducive and free
from disturbing noise and distractions, yet on a casual basis in which the message
must be delivered urgently, then it is important to mind the place where you convey
the message whether it is for private or public.
Lastly, purpose and intention, can lead us not only to gain effective
communication but also harmonious relationship. Since we want our institution to
work in peace and harmony, we must also check our purpose and intention in
delivering the message.
As a public servant, we must instill the essence and value of honor in our words
and integrity in our action to strive for excellence, not only in attaining effective
communication but also in thriving and excelling in our community.

3. During the final activity that we did last March 23,2019, our resource person
introduced to us Appreciative Inquiry(AI) composed of 5 Ds such as Discovery,
Dreaming, Designing, Delivery, Dancing and Drumming. Create an activity were you
can apply these techniques.

Appreciative Inquiry: Crafting my Future

Conversation Goal: For the student to gain an appreciation and understanding of
themselves and their role as a student. For the student to know how to choose and
plan for their future.

Discovery
Discovery is based on a dialogue, as a way of finding ‘what works’. It rediscovers and
remembers the organization or community’s successes, strengths and periods of
excellence.

Activity 1:Who Are You?

Material: Masking Tape Time: 15 minutes
Objective: to highlight similarities and differences between classmates and
schoolmates. This is a good ice breaker activity, especially for participants who
haven’t worked together before.
Procedure:
1. Before beginning the discovery activity and process, place two long lines of
masking tape on either side of room. Everyone stands side by side, on one side
of the room. Tell the participants that they cannot speak during this activity.
2. Read a statement from the list below and have the participants who have
experienced what you read walk to the line for a few seconds and look at the
other people on the line, and then return.
Walk to the line/take a step forward if you …
 have parents who are divorced
 know how to sing and dance
 have ever failed a subject at school
 have ever wished you had different hair
 Name one thing that surprised you about this activity.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the new things you found out about yourself?

Dreaming
Imagining uses past achievements and successes identified in the discovery phase to
imagine new possibilities and envisage a preferred future. It allows people to identify
their dreams for a community or organization; having discovered ‘what is best’. They
have the chance to project it into their wishes, hopes and aspirations for the future
Activity 2: Life Highlights Game
Time: 30 minutes
Objective: to enable participants to reflect back on their lives,
enables them to get to know their coworkers on a more intimate level.
Procedure:
1. Begin by asking each participant to close their eyes for one minute and consider
the best moments of their lives. This can include moments they’ve had alone,
they’ve shared with family or friends; these moments can pertain to
professional successes, personal revelations, or exciting life adventures.
2. After the participants have had a moment to run through highlights of their lives,
inform them that their search for highlights is about to be narrowed.
3. Keeping their eyes closed, ask each participant to take a moment to decide what
30 seconds of their life they would want to relive if they only had thirty seconds
left in their life.
4. The leader of the activity will ask each and every participant what their 30
seconds entailed and why they chose it, which will allow participants to get a
feel for each other’s passions, loves, and personalities.
Designing
Design brings together the stories from discovery with the imagination and creativity
from dream. We call it bringing the ‘best of what is’ together with ‘what might be’,
to create ‘what should be – the ideal’.
Activity 3: Today I Choose
Everything we do in life is a choice. Every choice has a consequence. The
consequence can be positive or negative. Young people often find it more difficult to
think about the ramifications of their decisions. The pressures and uncertainties
during times of trouble can lead to poor choices. This activity focuses on the
importance of thinking through and planning to help promote healthy decision
making.
Materials : Paper handout “My life is a choice” and pencils or pens
Procedure
1. Explain to participants that they will be focusing on choices. Ask for some
examples of the many choices they make every day.
2. Talk about these examples and point out that good choices are often harder
to make but usually lead to better results.
3. Talk to participants about how empowering themselves means to know that
most everything they do in life is their choice.
4. Have them complete the handout and see how many things they actually
choose to do in one day.
5. When everyone is finished, have them talk about a few of their daily choices.
6. When they are done sharing, steer the discussion toward what the
consequences may be if they do not make these choices. For example, they
may choose to take a shower. If they don’t, they will smell bad.
7. Complete the activity by repeating the idea that making choices is
empowering.
Discussion Questions
1. Can you name a few difficult situations in which making a good choice may
be a struggle for many people today?
2. Why do you think these situations are so difficult?
3. How would you advise someone to handle these difficult situations?
4. How will you use what you have learned today?
Delivery
This process identifies how the design is delivered, and how it’s embedded into
groups, communities and organizations. In early appreciative inquiry development,
it was called ‘delivery’, based on more traditional organizational development
practice.

Activity: Designing the future

The participants will be taught on how to do the planning.
Materials: Paper and Pencils or pen
Procedure:
1. Explain to participants on how to plan for their future.
2. Show to them a framework on how to do the planning.

My Dream Course Goals to Goals to Steps in

Achieve (Short Achieve (Long Reaching my
Term) Term) Ambition

To travel Marine To finish my To pass the -enroll in a

abroad Engineering degree licensure University
exam and to offering such
land a job course
-focus and be
determined to
finish the
degree
-exert effort in
passing the
tests and
interviews

Discussion Question:
What was your feeling after you finished filling the chart? Does it help you to have a
clear vision and a specific path to put your dream into existence?

Dancing and Drumming

Activity: “We can be anything”
Materials: Speaker and phone
Procedure:
1. Let the participants form a circle and sing and dance to the tune of “ We can
be anything” by Apl.de Ap
 2. Let them sing and dance while focusing their minds that they are already
what they want to be. Have them thing that they are already doing what
they loved to do and they are living their life happily.
3. As the music fades let them continue to imagine those happy thoughts.

Wrap-Up
The facilitator will summarize all the activities that took place and will come up with
a generalization. An Open forum will follow to evaluate the activity and to process it.

4. As leaders you have different functions. Identify these leadership functions and
provide a thorough explanation on each of these functions.

According to a dictum which states, true leaders do not create followers rather
they create more leaders; it shows that leadership is not just a role but a purpose.
This purpose is being given to different types of leaders. In an institution where
there is a hierarchy of members and their positions, it is essential for each of them to
know their purpose and role.
Here are some of the leadership functions of a leader:
1. Sets Goals:
A leader is expected to perform creative function of laying out goals and policies to
persuade the subordinates to work with zeal and confidence. Since a clear definition
of goal and setting it on a clear and comprehensible way makes everyone work in an
efficient and less chaotic way.

2. Organizes:
The second function of a leader is to create and shape the organization on scientific
lines by assigning roles appropriate to individual abilities and purpose to achieve the
set goals effectively and easily.

3. Initiates Action:
The next function of a leader is to take the initiative in all matters of interest to the
group. He/She should not depend upon others for decision and judgment, yet
he/she can only ask opinion or advice from other reliable members or people in
higher authority. He/She should float new ideas and his decisions should reflect
original thinking and must also be conscientious of his/her members and everyone
can benefit.

4. Develops Co-Ordination:
A leader has to reconcile the interests of the individual members of the group with
that of the organization. He has to ensure voluntary co-operation from the group in
realizing the common objectives. This means that he/she must know how to make
everyone work together and share their part to arrive to a common goal.

5. Encourages Direction and Motivation:

It is the primary function of a leader to guide and direct his group and motivate
people to do their best in the achievement of desired goals, he should build up
confidence and zeal in the work group. He/She must serve as the initiator and
motivator.

6. Links between Management and Workers:

A leader works as a necessary link between the management and the workers as
well to the other branch of an institution. He/She interprets the policies and
programmes of the management or department to his subordinates and represents
the subordinates’ interests before the management/ department. He/She can prove
effective only when he/she can act as the true guardian of the interests of his
subordinates.

Above are some of the different functions of a true leader that can make his/her
institution work toward a progressive goal and develop a sense of camaraderie
towards his/her subordinates. Through performing these different leadership
functions, he/she can give the best example that can make the work ethics and
professionalism of his/her subordinates change for the better and can also give a
ripple effect towards the learners, for they can imitate or follow the good
performance or action of their teachers.