Communication_and_Collaboration

* Strategies for Effective Communication and Collaboration among Three Different Learning Styles and Personality Types GEN200 June 17, 2010 Abstract In this paper strategies that can be used effectively to communicate and collaborate among people with the verbal/linguistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal learning styles will be discussed. Included, also, are strategies for effective communication and collaboration among the selected personality types; the organizer, the giver, and the thinker. Strategies for Effective Communication and Collaboration among Three Different Learning Styles and Personality Types The first learning style is the verbal/linguistic learner. These students learn best through listening, reading, writing, and speaking (Carter, 2007). The verbal/linguistic learner tends to remember terms and keywords easily, take notes during lectures, highlight reading materials and recite information, all skills to help him or her learn and remember the material. An effective strategy for working with this learning type is to communicate in terms that they would understand. Take, for instance, a topic on science; instead of using science terminology, speak in common sense, every day, terms. The second learning style is the interpersonal learner. These students learn best through social activities, cooperative learning, and teamwork (Carter, 2007). The interpersonal learner thrives from group work, creating and maintaining relationships and seeing points of view from other’s perspectives (Carter, 2007). An effective strategy for working with an interpersonal learner is to interact and communicate with him or her. Perhaps create study groups and learn as a team versus each person for him or herself. The third learning style is the intrapersonal learner. These students learn best through self-awareness, independence and spending time alone (Carter, 2007). The intrapersonal learner understands him or herself and is aware of his or her own thinking and opinions. This learner thinks and reasons on higher levels than other learning styles, tends to keep to him or herself and does not initiate interacting with others (Carter, 2007). An effective strategy for working with this learner is to approach this person in a laid-back manner and find a topic or area of interest in common with this learner and it will help lose any tension that naturally comes with this “keep to myself” learning style. The first personality type is the thinker. Learners with this personality type find time to reflect on new information, look for opportunities to work independently and learn through problem-solving (Carter, 2007). An effective strategy used when working with thinkers is to be straight to the point on discussion topics because thinkers analyze and like to explore independently. A straightforward, clear, and detailed approach to communicating with thinkers will help ensure they do not lose interest in the discussion. The second personality type is the organizer. The organizers are responsible, efficient, and operate best with social structure (Carter, 2007). An effective strategy for working with an organizer is fairly simple. Organizers initiate the communication process with others and work best on a stable, structured team. Ensuring team stability and structure will serve best with working with an organizer. The last personality type is the giver. Givers are honest, open is communicating with others and love to help others (Carter, 2007). An effective strategy to working alongside a giver is to be honest and helpful. A team working together to help ensure that each team member understands the material will suit the giver the best. Conclusion By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different learning styles and personality types strategies for communicating and collaborating successfully in a team can be obtained. Educating oneself in the different ways individuals learn will help ensure success among diverse teams. Adhering to professionalism and initiating clear, detailed, and nonaggressive communication will build bridges for working with different types of learners. Reference Page (2007). Keys to College Success: Becoming an Active Thinker. (2nd ed.). Author. Carter, C. Bishop, J. Kravits, S.