You will be required to write 200–250-word replies to at least 3 of your classmates’ threads. In your replies, expand on the discussion by analyzing and building upon the thread and incorporating at least 1 scholarly reference in each reply.. First reply: Baruch Ostrozynski DB5 COLLAPSE Conflict is an unfortunate part of life, and even when we try to avoid conflict it seems that at times it may be unavoidable (Forsyth, 2019). In fact, Forsyth (2019) notes that group disagreement can be found everywhere and occurs when one or more members of a group behaves in a manner that is unacceptable to other members (Forsyth, 2019). Consequently, it is my opinion that one of the main issues that leaders deal with in a group is the challenge of having a negative member who may disagree or complain often (Jacobs et al., 2016). The challenge is concerning when we attempt to avoid the member and focus on another group member or topic (Jacobs et al., 2016). Moreover, what at times can make the matter more difficult is when a group member may be negative due to not feeling that they can share safely. Interestingly, Corey et al. (2014) notes that if group members do not develop trust in the group, they may hesitate to further share their thoughts since they may feel they will be attacked for proposing an opinion. I am cognizant that it may be somewhat of a stretch to assume that a member may be negative or constantly complaining due to a fear of being ridiculed. However, it is for this reason why I find the notion to simply ask the member to leave the group to possibly be incorrect. Therefore, I agree completely with Jacobs et al. (2016) who notes that one strategy may be to talk to the member outside of group and attempt to understand why the member is behaving in a negative manner (Jacobs et al., 2016). Incidentally, some of the issues that Jacobs et al. (2016) discusses were precisely some of the concerns I had when I was choosing the members for my parenting group that I arranged for this class (Jacobs et al., 2016). For example, two issues that I did not want to occur was asking someone to join who would be too negative or would try to impress everyone and talk too much. In fact, I did not ask two people to join because I was almost certain that one would be a chronic talker and the other would have been quite negative. Obviously, in many groups the leader cannot decide who their preferred members will be. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be able to decide who would be a good fit for my group. However, being that this is primarily not the case, a skilled leader must do what they can in handling the chronic talker or the negative member. Especially, since the result of the chronic talker in a group is quite similar to the negative member. The similarity occurs as a result of the group accomplishing very little due to both members attempting to take over the session from the leader (Jacobs et al., 2016). References Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (Eighth ed.). Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (Seventh ed.). Cengage. Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges (Second ed.). Brooks Cole. Second reply: Shalana Pennix Discussion Board 5 COLLAPSE This week’s readings address the topic of conflict. Conflict is very common when dealing with groups. When having different people in a group with many different opinions, cause for conflict between members or members and leader arise. The situation that I chose was dealing with mutually hostile members. This is a very common issue with groups. There are many reasons for this type of behavior. Members can either have differences before the meeting, or problems can arise during the meeting. When conflict arises in a group, ‘members stand against each other rather than in support of each other’ (Forsyth, 2019, p. 410). This makes it very difficult to maintain control and make progress within the group. If not dealt with, this can cause members to leave the group. Jacob et. al. (2016) states that, dealing with the issue at hand and understanding how the conflict started is important in helping them to become more positive in the future with others (Jacob et. al., 2016). Even though conflict can be overwhelming at times, it’s the leader’s job to try and maintain control of the members. Corey et. al. (2014) states that, how successful the leader is at handling difficulties in the beginning, will decide how the members in the group will do in the future (Corey et. al., 2014). Making a point to talk with the members and get to the bottom of the situation helps to maintain control and eventually allows the members to move past the issue so that all members can gain satisfaction from the group experience. Jacobs et. al. (2016) suggests that, ‘sometimes leaders find it effective to pair the two members who dislike each other and then join the dyad to help them talk through their dislikes’ (Jacobs et. al., 2016, p. 420). This can be beneficial because it allows the two people to have a third party involved to keep things from becoming too hostile. Once, when I was involved in a group, I had a difficult time fitting in. When I started to become comfortable with being in the group there was a member that started causing problems within the group. This became very frustrating and caused me to say something to the other person. Unfortunately, this caused some strong emotions between us. The leader was very good at pulling us away from the group and asking what happened. After explaining the situation to her, she promptly dealt it. An activity that the leader used to bring us back together was to tell one another one thing that bothered us the most about them. We also stated one way we could make it possible to work together during the group. This was the best activity because it made us both evaluate ourselves and find a way to deal with things differently. So again, often all it takes to resolve conflict is communicating with both parties to find the cause of the disagreement, and then finding a solution to the problem. Therefore, it’s important to have an experienced leader in order to help facilitate these types of conversations. References Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R., (2014). Groups in action: evolution and challenges (2nd ed). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: strategies and skills (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning Third reply: Jodilyn Gonia Discussion 5 COLLAPSE Conflict is something that is hard to avoid in many different social situations, everyone with different experiences and beliefs it is likely there will be difference and they mentioned. Unfortunately, while having those differences in opinions is not the issue in my opinion, it is when one is not respectful of other opinions even if they vary from their own. While it is acceptable to express those differences, it is not acceptable to tell others that their beliefs are less than because they are not the same as yours, the world is made up of differences. To me, conflict does not have to be a negative it can create a positive outcome, if everyone always agreed then it would be a society where things would never change. Having differences makes individuals unique, developments in many aspects of life are made through individuals having a difference in opinions. For instance, if everyone had the same thoughts and completed the same actions all of the time than it is likely the only differences us as individuals would have is what we looked like. Many individuals have different goals and aspirations for their life being the same or very similar would not allow for production of anything because we all would have the same job, therefore not job promotion, new ideas, etc. Conflict is in our everyday society all of the time, dealing with conflict is important and strategies on how to do so can include cooperation. Cooperation is when one works together with others to increase success, individuals having an effect on the other (Forsyth, 2019). Choosing instead to have this conflict and work towards cooperation is beneficial to me in many different aspects of one’s life; teaching their child, professional, social, familial, etc.. While to me it is good to have conflict there can be a downfall when others cannot see past the issues going on to work together for a common good, while cooperating with others will account for that. Reference Forsyth, D. R. (2019). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Cengage.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.