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COMM-1010-047: Elements of Effective Communication
Case Study #12: Choosing a College
Submitted By:
Carrillo, Faith | Deklerk, Jacob | Farnsworth, George
Gregerson, Steve | Libby, Krysti | Petersen, Kelsey | Vadnais, Henry
Salt Lake Community College 04/05/2012
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 2 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 Project Description.......................................................................................................................... 3 Methods........................................................................................................................................... 4
Part 1: P=Problem ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Problem Question.................................................................................................................... 4 Problem Stated as Open-Ended Question ............................................................................... 4
Part 2: A=Analyze the Problem ................................................................................................................ 5
Analysis of Problem ................................................................................................................ 5
Characteristics ......................................................................................................................... 5 Stakeholders ............................................................................................................................ 8
History or Background ............................................................................................................ 8 Policies/Politics ....................................................................................................................... 9
Resources ................................................................................................................................ 9 Part 3: C=Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 10
General Goal ......................................................................................................................... 10
Specific Criteria .................................................................................................................... 10 Part 4: B=Brainstorm ............................................................................................................................... 11
Brainstorm Possible Solutions .............................................................................................. 11 Part 5: O=Organize .................................................................................................................................. 11
Solution Analysis .................................................................................................................. 11
Narrowed List of Solutions ................................................................................................... 12 Chart ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Possible Negative Consequences .......................................................................................... 12
Final Solution ........................................................................................................................ 12 Part 6: Y=Yes We Can! ............................................................................................................................. 13
Implementation of Solution .................................................................................................. 13 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 14 Works Cited .................................................................................................................................. 15 Appendix 1: Team USA Contract ................................................................................................. 16
Appendix 2: Chart – Solution Analysis ........................................................................................ 17 Appendix 3: Member Participation Points .................................................................................... 18
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Executive Summary
This report entails the research that “Team USA” conducted in hopes of providing valuable
solutions to a common problem that students of Salt Lake Community College face after
completing their associates. The problem that arises for students after graduating from SLCC, is
which school to attend next for a bachelor’s degree. Choosing a University to attend is a big
decision and many factors or considerations come into play such as costs, program availability
and curriculum, as well as location.
By using the reflective thinking sequence by John Dewey we were able to break down our
problem into several tasks including: the problem’s definition, characteristics and criteria,
solutions, implementing solutions and evaluating these solutions making adjustments as
necessary. (Adler & Elmhorst p. 248)
Our group met up on several occasions to complete these tasks. Because there wasn’t a definite
solution to our problem we brought forth several solutions that one could incorporate into their
decision of choosing a school to attend, in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree. From several of
the solutions that TeamUSA brainstormed together, the final solution we all agreed upon that
would best solve this issue was determining which school provided professors that conducted
effective communication which would suite the student’s needs. This solution was selected
because members of the group TeamUSA felt by having professors that communicate thoroughly
and efficiently will ultimately affect a student’s way of learning and understanding. Students
would be able to keep up with class activities, lectures and concepts when effective
communication exists. In return the student will have gained a greater knowledge, education and
appreciation in their studies and future career.
Project Description
Our dream as college students is to obtain higher education at the most beneficial university for
our individual needs. This is a very tough decision given the fact that we have limited finances
and would like to stay close to home. We have decided to attend a college that meets some of
the following criteria: it has to excel in particular areas of study, preferably small class sizes,
high rated professors, and it won’t break our bank accounts.
We know that education is a priority in our life right now, and we want to have the best
experience possible while fulfilling our degree, and moving onto our dream job.
We are Team USA, a workgroup comprised of seven SLCC students in COMM 1010. Our
project was to figure out how to make the best decision possible in choosing a college to transfer
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to after the completion of our degree at Salt Lake Community College. We could’ve just made a
decision based on popularity or peer pressure, but we decided to dig deep to figure out what
works best for us. Our group discussed these issues several times online and once in person.
While encouraging everyone to do their part and participate, we came up with several ideas to
help us make a final decision.
This is an important decision in our lives and we decided to help each other out in the process.
The ideas presented in this study will help us feel comfortable and safe about the big decision yet
to be made.
Methods
To commence the project, our team in Week 1 – Task #1, formed our Team Contract of Group
Norms and Roles (see Appendix 1). Utilizing the ‘Reflective Thinking Sequence’ (Adler &
Elmhorst p. 248), we stepped through this time tested technique for groups to find
comprehensive solutions to problems.
The solutions detailed in this Methods section outline our research and solutions as we stepped
through the process of the project.
At the end of the project we tallied participation points assigned to each member as defined by
their contributions to the project (see Appendix 3).
Part 1: P=Problem
Problem Question "Which college should I transfer to after I complete my degree at SLCC?"
Problem Stated as Open-Ended Question
“Which college of my choosing is in close proximity, would enhance my learning and education
as well as fulfill my financial capabilities while obtaining a bachelor’s degree?”
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Part 2: A=Analyze the Problem
Analysis of Problem
Our team felt we must clearly understand and weigh out our options before we choose a college
to attend after SLCC. First, we need to know what colleges are in our area. Searching the
colleges in your area ahead of time will be less stressful when it comes time to choose a college.
Second, you must enhance your search of colleges near you to see which possible programs that
those colleges have to offer. Third, use all of the resources that SLCC has to offer. Meeting the
various colleges that visit SLCC can most likely answer your question. Finally, do not give up if
one of the colleges that you have looked into does not have the program that you want. It should
not be the end-of-the-road if you have to go out of state to get something this important.
All too often people make the wrong decision as to which college or university to go to. People
make this decision on whether their friends are going there, what kind of “fun things” there are to
do around the campus, or they are even just too lazy to do the research to figure out which one
would be best for them individually.
By considering the cost, school criteria, location and many other things about a school we are
more able to make a practical decision; a decision that will help us meet life goals through
gaining an education in the field we desire.
Characteristics
What are the symptoms of the problem? Include positive as well as negative aspects of the
current situation.
a.) Cost
Pros:
-by paying for more education will give you a bachelor’s degree, making you stand out
more when applying for jobs
-paying more for school will give you a better education and understanding in your
career field
-you will be offered a higher salary than others without a bachelor’s degree
Cons:
-a higher degree such as a Bachelor’s means more money
-more school loans
-possibly may need part time job during schooling to pay for expenses
-funding may not be readily available
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b.) School Criteria
Pros:
-different schools will have different requirements/criteria which will give you a greater
knowledge of your field of study
-courses may be easier
-courses may have more focus and emphasis on your field of study
Cons:
-may need to take additional courses to apply
-may need to re-take courses that the college accepts
-courses may be harder
c.) Location
Location can be a big factor in choosing a school to attend. With high expenses of school tuition
it is not uncommon for students to live at home with their parents. By attending a school near
home students can have the benefit of saving on extra out of state tuition charges, rent and other
living expenses. Staying at home will also provide the student with ease and comfort from
family and friends as well as being able to maintain current life style and jobs that the student
may have. Sometimes in school programs there are volunteer or internship opportunities that can
possibly lead to career opportunities after school which would also be convenient for the student
if they were wanted to begin a career near home. On the other hand attending a school outside of
Utah can have its benefits such as giving the student an opportunity to live with roommates and
experience paying for rent and household items. Living in another area other than Utah can also
expose the student to different cultures, ways of life and possible career opportunities. In order
to achieve the student’s wants of attending a school in close proximity, falling within their
financial budget and providing the best education possible, the best solution would to attend a
school within the state. This will allow the student to fulfill all three issues that were preventing
the student from making a final decision on which school to attend.
Staying in Utah:
Pros:
-wouldn’t have to pay out of state tuition
-be closer to family, friends and home
-familiar with the area
-can give you internships, volunteer work that can possibly lead to a job after graduation
-could live with family/parents without having to pay for rent and household items
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Staying in Utah:
Cons:
-stuck in same lifestyle situation
-don’t get experience living on your own/roommates
-possibly limited to career opportunities only within the state
Outside of Utah:
Pros:
-new learning experience
-exposure to different ways of living/cultures
-possibly new and different career opportunities after graduation
-schooling may be easier/shorter
Outside of Utah:
Cons:
-having to pay out of state tuition
-having to come up with money for rent/household items
-possibly having to find a part time job to pay for expenses
-having to find a place to live
-having to learn around a new city
d.) Top Notch School Ranking:
Pros:
-different schools are known according to the type of education you receive some more
prestigious than others which will benefit your learning and studies
-going to a school that is well known will stand out on resume possibly providing
recognition during the applying/hiring process
-may provide internships/volunteer/job shadowing opportunities that expose you into
your career field
-may provide a better curriculum increasing your expertise in your field of study
-may provide a faculty known for great teaching abilities
Cons:
-maybe pricier than a school ranking lower on the scale
-may require addition courses/pre-requisites
-may require you to move to a different state or country
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Stakeholders
We want to further our education and obtain a Bachelor’s degree, but in order to do this; we need
to decide on a University to attend. The decision that we make could possibly affect several
groups of people, including our families, friends, and work.
If family is going to help with the expenses of an education, this decision could affect how they
live depending on how much it costs. It could be a risk for them putting money into this, while
not knowing the end results. It will also affect relationships because families like their children
to remain close, but there could be a possibility of being far away for the best education.
Hopefully in the end a families’ goal is to help their budding college student find happiness.
A student’s social life will also be affected greatly due to the fact that they might be away from
current friends and have to establish a new social setting. They could still be close to current
friends, but with all the homework expected, it could take its toll on relationships. The goal of
friends is often to stay close while pursuing their futures.
The job a student may currently have might provide great security and wonderful benefits. If
they move away, they could be taking the risk trying to find new work. Their employers may
lose an experienced and well trained worker, but their willingness to accommodate to
educational needs may also affect the students end decision, should they attend locally. Though
students cannot forget that the goal of having a job is to have an income and benefit from the
learning experiences of employment.
History or Background
What solutions have been tried in the past to solve similar problems? How well have these
solutions worked? Whom have these solutions helped? Whom have they hindered? How do
you know?
The uses of internet, books, and communicating with your peers are some ways of which similar
problems have been solved. These solutions work very well with dedication to solve the
problem. Communicating with your peers is the most effective way to get an opinion based
answer along with their feedback. These solutions have helped anyone who wanted a solid
answer to their question. Solving your problem questions especially the ones pertaining to what
college you will attend all depend on you and how badly you questions answered. People who
put off these questions until the last minute will make it only more difficult for them to find the
right solution to their problem. I know this from experience which I have learned and grown
from.
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Policies/Politics
Each student may have considerable concerns when researching to attend a university to finish
their degree. These are not limited to political, but also policies that affect one’s personal
expression may also affect their decision; here are some examples:
Is the institution more liberal vs. conservative?
Would a dress code hamper my style and creativity?
Does the curriculum fix the context of my degree?
Will I be sacrificing my own opinions to fit in the political construct of the university,
just for prestige?
Are their policies flexible for my lifestyle such as offering more classes on-line?
Can I navigate easily the school policies?
From a Professional Requirements perspective, you might consider:
Is the institution considered credible to my future profession (ask this during an
‘Informational interview’)?
Does the institution have ties to my future profession whereby I may get ‘job placement’
opportunities?
Resources
There are many references out there available out there for help us to make decisions on what
collage to go to after SLCC. One could be an Expert opinion- when a single person has the
knowledge or skill to make as informed decision, the group/person may be best served by relying
on his or her expert opinion. (Pg. 257, Alder/Elmhorst). This person might be a guidance
counselor at SLCC who has helped students in the past. Other options could be a family member,
friend, or fellow classmate who has previously been in the same situation and could give helpful
pointers that will be best for someone’s education and future. The decision is ultimately up to the
person leaving SLCC, and any insight will help them make a better decision on where to go next.
There are many different resources available when considering which college or university to
attend after SLCC. Here are a few that we have come up with:
Alumni: Talking to and even interviewing alumni from the university you are research can be a
great resource. These people have been there for an extended period of time and can tell you the
good and bad about the university. You can also ask them the question "Why did you choose this
university?" Their input can be very beneficial in your final decision.
College Tours: College tours will give you a chance to actually get on the campus and see what
it’s like. A lot of people, including myself, have a hard time working in environments that are
foreign or uncomfortable. Taking a tour of the college can help you to become comfortable and
gain knowledge of the campus.
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Websites: University websites can help you gain a lot of information about the university as well.
This would be the first step to take for me because it would be the easiest. You can learn a lot,
such as what classes they provide, what degrees they provide or specialize in, and how many
students go to the university.
One other thought is 'on-line reviews' of the degree programs available directly from the
anticipated university and 3rd
party sites like the following:
Online Oriented Degree reviews - http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/
Military Oriented Institution reviews –
http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/college/american-military-university-reviews/
Doctoral program reviews - http://www.doctoralprograms.org/
Part 3: C=Criteria
An important step to finding solutions to any problem is to first develop a list of criteria that need
to be solved, without providing solutions then and there. As we learned during this project, the
key to success is following the sequence of steps as defined in the text.
General Goal
Our main goal is to find a college of our choosing that will meet our own personal learning and
educational needs in obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, without feeling too much of a financial
burden or compromising our abilities.
Specific Criteria
We then discussed what specific criteria we should have to assist our goal. Some of the topics
included:
1. Finding the right Professors 2. Location, in-state or out-of-state 3. Meets personal budgets 4. Various resources to research 5. Suitable for all the students wants/needs 6. Facilitate multiple degrees should desires change 7. Specialize degrees 8. Other friends attending 9. Low campus crime rate 10. Many online options
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Part 4: B=Brainstorm
Brainstorm Possible Solutions
Some of our brainstorming ideas included:
Visit college campuses, talk to advisors and financial aid offices
Talk to others who graduated in my field of study for advice
Meditate and pray
Gut feeling
Go where family has gone to school
Find a college with highly ranked professors
Excels in a particular area of study
Which college will give me the results I want, sooner
Work for my commute, current living standard, and family
Highest rated college that fits my needs
Offers opportunity for internship, volunteering, or career experience
Part 5: O=Organize
Solution Analysis
In Week 2-Task #3 we narrowed our list of several criteria as follows:
1. Apply principles of effective communication that we are learning in the class.
2. Be achievable within our four week time frame.
3. Meets personal budgets.
4. Will be practical and in our scope/ability to solve
5. Be most beneficial/obtainable for the students wants/needs
6. Provide options for the student not limiting them in one direction.
7. Provide and specialize in a degree of choosing.
From that list we made a solutions chart during Week 3-Task #4, where we refined our solutions
and criteria into a manageable list that we could vote on.
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Narrowed List of Solutions
1. School Ranking
2. Costs
3. Location
4. Effective teachers to communicate my needs
5. Meets time-frame
6. School criteria
7. Career choice
Chart
See our completed chart in Appendix 2.
Possible Negative Consequences
Some of the possible negatives in continuing on the path to a degree fall under the basic human
emotions of wants and need, coupled with the reality of ‘time’. “Do I have time to research the
best college, or is one as good as the next for my field of choice?”
Along those same lines is ‘desire’. “With a large percentage of dropouts, will I become a part of
that statistic?”
On the practical side, a student may simply have to sacrifice living at home to as an education is
more important than where they live. This decision may have alternate benefits such as saving
money on gas, distractions of old friends and a need for independence.
The college found may also be out of a student’s price range but has all that they’re looking for.
The silver lining in this contingency would be that it will better prepare you for the workplace
and increase your chances when applying for higher paying jobs.
Transferring to a remote college can seem exciting, especially when looking at the 10 colleges
with the most transfer students (Hopkins, 2011), but what if I feel homesick?
Final Solution
The solution that received the highest score was finding the ‘Highest Rated Professors’. This
stands to reason as your education is only as good as those that teach you. So finding the best,
coupled with a student’s own initiative should yield a top educated candidate for the work force.
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Part 6: Y=Yes We Can!
Implementation of Solution
From our top 4 solutions that conform best to the needs of our criteria, we recommend the
following to any future students preparing to transfer to 4-year College for their degree.
Step 1: Highest Rated Professors
Research the Professors via sites like RateMyProfessors.com
Step 2: Best for your financial needs
Find that optimal blend of on-site vs. off-site, in-state vs. out-of-state, and high-ranking
vs. lesser known – then review which best fits your student loan or family support
options.
Step 3: Excels in a particular area of study
Obviously if you find a college that conforms to steps 1 and 2, then you’ll want to ensure
that it is known and ranked for its graduation of students in your field of choice.
Step 4: Smallest Class Size
Having some one-on-one time with your professor to answer those confusing questions
can improve your grades, if this is a need of yours, then a smaller more personable
college would be your goal.
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Conclusion
TeamUSA, comprised of seven members, derived the best possible criteria and solutions in
“Choosing a College” to complete our four year degrees. Using the ‘Reflective Thinking
Sequence’, we took the necessary steps to analyze the problem, derived solutions to our list of
criteria, reviewed and coordinated our meetings to further research, postulated ideas and refined
our results until we concluded with the best possible solution for our defined problem.
Our conclusion, based from our research and unified opinions resulting from our chart in
Appendix 2, is that isolating the best professors for your degree is first and foremost important,
followed by financial fit and best in particular field of study. Each student will need to perform
some research at sites like RateMyProfessors.com and review college rankings at sites like
USNews to improve the ability to make the best decision possible.
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Works Cited
Adler, R., & Elmhorst, J. (2010). Comm 1010: Salt lake community college. (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Hopkins, K. (2011, April 12). 10 colleges with most transfer students. US News: Education Colleges, Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/04/12/10-colleges-with-most-transfer-students
Embedded Link Page 13 http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/topLists11/topLists.jsp
Embedded Link Page 13 http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings
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Appendix 1: Team USA Contract
Class: COMM-1010-047
Semester: Spring 2012
Dated: 02/21/2012
Team Member Contact Cel Contact E-mail Task & Relational Role
Carillo, Faith 801-831-2043 [email protected] Opinion Giver
Deklerk, Jacob 801-792-0806 [email protected] Diagnoser
Farnsworth , George 801-889-9195 [email protected] Opinion Seeker
Gregerson, Steven 801-577-9033 [email protected] Starter or energizer
Libby, Krysti 801-413-8439 [email protected] Summarizer
Petersen, Kelsey 801-750-3482 [email protected] Gatekeeper
Vadnais , Henry 801-755-3391 [email protected] Reality Tester
Team Relational Norms
We will arrive on time for meetings as we value each other’s time.
We will avoid side conversations during meetings as we know meeting online is tough enough to hold.
We will be patient in responding online given we know we can’t read minds
As we strive to do the best we can on this assignment, we will each be selfless and diligent in the
process of completing this project. This means working as a team and making our group goals
priority.
We commit to making our group goals a priority in the process of completing this project and
striving towards excellence in improving our teamwork skills.
We are understanding of personal lives and can understand missing meetings or assignments due to
personal reasons as long as it’s not on a regular basis.
Task Norms
If we have to miss the meeting, we are ok with follow up meetings, however each member will need to
catch up their individual post prior to the follow up meeting
We agree to not use this meeting for off-topic discussions or venting
We will respect the opinions of all present
When the unexpected comes up and we have to miss a meeting, we will make sure to send our
information to each member of the team at least one day in advance.
We agree to show up at meetings on time and will notify other members in advanced if one cannot
make the scheduled meeting time.
We agree to give assignments to others that are within their ability to accomplish and understand.
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Appendix 2: Chart – Solution Analysis
Week 3: Task #4 – Chart Organization of Criteria and Solutions
Highest
Rated
Professors
Excels in a
particular
area of
study
Best for
your
financial
needs
Perform
informational
interviews with
companies see
where they
graduated
Smallest
Class Size
Take
school
tour/speak
to
instructors
in the
program
SCHOOL RANKING: e.g.
Deciding which college
is best for my field
3 4 5 2 3 1
COSTS: e.g. How to fund
my Bachelors 4 4 3 2 3 2
LOCATION: e.g. Housing
Needs, Family etc. 4 3 3 2 2 2
EFFECTIVE TEACHERS
TO COMMUNICATE MY
NEEDS: E.g. listens to
your questions and
provides answers for the
best grades
3 3 4 2 2 2
MEETS TIME-FRAME:
e.g. can provide my
degree as quickly as
possible
2 5 4 2 2 2
SCHOOL CRITERIA: E.g.
Provides options just in
case I change my degree
choice
3 3 3 2 3 4
CAREER CHOICE: E.g.
What field do I want to
go into & How much do
jobs in my field make?
4 3 2 4 3 4
Totals: 23 21 22 19 21 13
CRITERIA
SOLU
TIO
NS
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Appendix 3: Member Participation Points
Week 4: Task #4 – Distribution of Participation
Justification Criteria:
1. Attended each meeting either live, proxy or post contributions 2. Completed their assigned tasks 3. Contributed thoughts or ideas beneficial to the group as a whole 4. Willingness to take on group task voluntarily (took one for the team, beyond regular assignments e.g.
consolidating and posting charts, coordinating meetings)
Members (Last name, First name) Points Justification for
this allocation
(refer to above
list)
Specific contributions and Additional
Comments
Carillo, Faith 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: History
Week 3 – Task 5: Effective Teachers
Week 3 – Prep Report – Works Cited
Deklerk, Jacob 9 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Stakeholders
Week 3 – Task 5: Meets Time Frame
Week 3 – Prep Report – Project Description
Farnsworth, George 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Resources
Week 3 – Task 5: Career Choice
Week 3 – Prep Report – Table of Contents
Gregerson, Steven 14 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Politics & Policies
Week 3 – Task 5: School Ranking
Week 3 – Prep Report – Methods
Libby, Krysti 11 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Politics & Policies
Week 3 – Task 5: Costs
Week 3 – Prep Report – Title Page
Petersen, Kelsey 12 1,2,3,4 Week 1 – Task 3: Characteristics
Week 3 – Task 5: Location
Week 3 – Prep Report – Executive Summary
Vadnais, Henry 8 1,2,3 Week 1 – Task 3: Resources
Week 3 – Task 5: School Criteria
Week 3 – Prep Report – Conclusion