I'm not going to lie to you. Interpersonal Communications has been one of my most challenging classes. Because I took the class online there was a high level of rather intense writing involved. We were required to write a weekly essay in response to select discussion questions, respond to two of our classmates posted disscusions in a "meaningful way" each week, write two large essays (one on conflict management and the other on a personal change term project), and maintain a journal (3 times a week) outlining the progress made towards our semester ending personal change project. This intensive writing caused me to reflect deeply on the sections covered each week. It put me in the uncomfortable position of self inspection and motivated me to make changes to the habitual poor listening habits I had developed over my life thus far.
As a result of what I have learned in this class, however, I have learned ways to improve the quality of the interpersonal relationships in my life. I am closer to my husband and son then I have been in a long time. I have a renewed appreciation for, and understanding of, my parents and siblings. Through application of the concepts learned in this class I have learned how to be a good listener and how to resolve conflicts in a more healthy and positive way. As I continue to apply these newfound skills, I can, and will, find added strength and security in both the personal and work relationships in my life. Below is a sample of the conflict management essay written for the mid-term project for this class. It was extremely challenging to write, but taught me some vital skills for successfully navigating conflict situations.
|
