Small Group Communication

The uncertainty of instructional delivery during the Covid-19 crisis has created new challenges for community college instructors. Many instructors have been forced to instantly shift from the brick and mortar classroom to a virtual online environment. In addition, many companies and organizations are realizing that working in teams will never be the same. Some are permanently shifting to virtual work spaces after realizing efficiency gains and cost savings. Small Group Communication: Principles in Action introduces group theory and practice with an emphasis on application including guides to virtual group communication. The online course package provides ongoing case studies demonstrating the chapter material in a traditional classroom group, as well as a workplace group. Each chapter concludes with case study discussion questions allowing students an opportunity to reflect after reading the chapter, as well as engage in higher-level group dialogue. The authors balance theory and practice throughout the text in an effort to engage students by allowing them to form more meaningful connections to the material by drawing from over 50 years of combined experience leading and facilitating groups in both private and non-profit sectors. Teresa Patterson and Cynthia Luna'sSmall Group Communication: Principles in Action: includes guides to virtual group communication applications in every chapter. focuses on culturally competent group communication in diverse settings. provides internal checks for understanding by first emphasizing key ideas in "Let's Review" sections and "In Action" activities to be performed in the classroom, with a final set of "Check Your Understanding" questions within each chapter. is instructor friendly! "In Action" activities require minimal instructor preparation and materials, allowing them to quickly jump into an exercise when students are needing additional work with the content, as well as engage different styles of learners. is easy to adopt! Test banks, quizzes, and PowerPoint presentations are designed for each chapter including supplemental recorded lectures for those wishing to use a "flipped" classroom approach or are teaching online. features a no-nonsense approach to group communication that allows for a candid and sometimes humorous look at the pros, cons, joys, and struggles inherent to group work, with the intent of providing a realistic framework through which students can approach not only their small group communication course, but future workgroups as well. includes an embedded learning management system for student easy access at home or work. is smart phone and tablet compatible. includes compelling serial case studies based on both classroom and workplace group experiences promoting stimulating discussions in class and online discussion boards. Includes an easy to follow handbook that takes students step by step through the group problem solving process. is grounded in group communication theory and scholarly research. features a comprehensive learning management system with 24/7 online instructor and student support.