Running head: LEARNING OUTCOME REFLECTION

Learning Outcome Reflection: Communication Skills Troy J. Cook The Robert B. Miller College February 9, 2014

REFLECTION OUTCOME REFLECTION Learning Outcome Reflection: Communication Skills At the end of my journey as a college student at The Robert B. Miller College I was

asked to reflect upon various outcomes described in the Mission Statement for the School of Arts & Sciences. For the purpose of this paper I will be discussing exactly that, communication, and reflecting upon aspects such as oral and written skills. Through life experiences and the curriculum assigned, advancements have been made. My course of studies while at Miller College further developed my communication skills. The first aspect of communication I would like to reflect upon is oral communication skills. Oral communication skills refer to talking and listening skills needed to participate in discussions, the ability to exchange thoughts and information, making clear and convincing presentations, and interacting with audiences of all kinds. Due to presentation requirements at the end of every course and the weekly obligation to attend classes, growth in oral communication skills was inevitable. Because of this, these skills improved dramatically from semester to semester. While many examples exist for reflection purposes and support that required the use of all aspects described within the definition given, there is one example in particular worth talking about. During the fall of 2013 an assignment was given in SOCI 320, Contemporary American Family. The assignment was a group presentation over chapter twelve. Our job was to deliver the chapter as a group to the rest of the class, as if the instructor herself had given the presentation. The groups were randomly assigned by the instructor, Tammi Lawrence. This only further complicated the job assigned to us. Because we were unable to choose the groups, we were forced to rely on our oral communication skills to complete the assignment. Without such skills this would not have been possible. These skills were absolutely crucial for success.

REFLECTION OUTCOME REFLECTION

For example, first we had to split the information in the chapter among participants in the group. Next we had to choose who was responsible for expected materials due at the time of presentation. From there we had to decide how we would combine our efforts prior to the next class period. Without the talking and listening skills needed to participate in discussion and the ability to exchange thoughts and information, a clear and convincing presentation would not have been accomplished. Although not imperative at the beginning or ending of this assignment, written communication skills were helpful in-between. The second aspect of communication I would like to reflect upon is written communication skills. Written communication skills refer to the ability to communicate by means of written symbols, either handwritten or electronic. This type of communication is often the most effective and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, toward the end of the spring 2013 semester in ENGL 310 we had to write a thank you note. Initially this may sound like a fairly easy assignment, especially when compared to previous assignments. However, it was not. This short thank you letter had to contain the same elements as any other assignment given by the instructor, John Rasmussen, meaning it had to have a thesis. It had to be unified, specific, coherent, and free of mechanical errors. In addition, it needed to follow the same APA 6 format of which we all had grown so fond. Without the instruction of John Rasmussen while attending Miller College, this note would not have been as effective when communicating my gratitude. For this purpose the use of written communication skills will almost always prove to be beneficial. My course of studies while at Miller College further developed my communication skills. Reflecting back throughout various situations, both personally and academically, I have grown as an individual due to the education delivered while at Miller College. While not all growth was

REFLECTION OUTCOME REFLECTION recognized at the time, the growth is there. Communication skills are an important aspect of evolving as a person. While life as a whole is a journey we must all travel, these skills can only help with the road that lies ahead. Conflict will arise but with the use of communication skills, resolution can prevail!