Use of Observation Keys

• Nonverbal Communication:
  • Physical proximity and shared work contribute to a sense of camaraderie.
  • Eye contact and active listening are prevalent during discussions.
  • Gestures and demonstrations are used to illustrate gardening techniques.
  • Body language is generally relaxed and collaborative.
• Mediated Communication:
  • A shared online forum is used for announcements, task assignments, and information sharing.
  • Email is used for formal communication and coordination with external organizations.
  • Social media is used to publicize events, and recruit new members.

3. What are the group's roles and norms?

• Roles:
  • Coordinator: Facilitates meetings and manages overall garden operations.
  • Task Leaders: Oversee specific tasks (e.g., planting, weeding, composting).
  • Educators: Share gardening knowledge and skills.
  • New members are often given less complex tasks, while they learn.
• Norms:
  • Emphasis on collaboration and shared responsibility.
  • Respect for diverse opinions and gardening techniques.
  • Commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Punctuality and reliability for scheduled tasks.
  • Encouragement of participation from all members.

4. What are the group's power dynamics?

• Power is relatively distributed, based on expertise and experience.
• The coordinator holds formal authority but encourages participatory decision-making.
• Experienced gardeners often exert influence through their knowledge and skills.
• There is a conscious effort to minimize power imbalances and promote inclusivity.

5. How does the group handle conflict?

• Conflict is typically addressed through open discussion and negotiation.
• The coordinator facilitates conflict resolution, ensuring all voices are heard.
• Compromise and consensus-building are valued.
• Occasionally, external mediation may be sought for persistent disagreements.

6. What are the group's strengths and weaknesses in communication?

• Strengths:
  • Open and direct communication.
  • Effective use of both verbal and nonverbal cues.
  • Strong sense of shared purpose and collaboration.
  • Effective use of mediated communication for coordination.
• Weaknesses:
  • Occasional disagreements stemming from differing gardening philosophies.
  • Potential for communication breakdowns due to informal meeting structures.
  • Jargon can exclude new members.

7. How does the group adapt to change?

• The group demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing weather conditions, plant growth, and community needs.
• New members bring fresh perspectives and ideas, which are generally welcomed.
• The online forum facilitates rapid communication and coordination during unexpected events.
• They are open to incorporating new technologies, and gardening techniques.

8. What are the groups goals, and are they being met?

• Goals include providing produce, educating the community, and building community.
• Produce goals are met through regular harvests.
• Educational goals are met through workshops, and information sharing.
• Community building is met through shared activity, and social events.

Comment Example for Classmate Post:

"Your observation of the book club's communication patterns was insightful. I'm curious, how does the group handle situations where members have significantly different interpretations of a book? Does this lead to conflict, or are there established norms for respectful disagreement?"

Observation and Analysis of a Volunteer Community Garden Group

Group Selection: The group I observed is a volunteer-run community garden initiative. This particular group, "Green Roots," consists of approximately 15 members, ranging in age from 25 to 60, with diverse backgrounds but a shared interest in sustainable gardening and community engagement. They meet weekly for two hours at the garden site.

Key Questions for Group Observation and Analysis:

1. What is the purpose of the group?

• The primary purpose of Green Roots is to cultivate a shared community garden, providing fresh produce for local food banks and fostering a sense of community. Secondary purposes include educating members and the wider community about sustainable gardening practices and promoting environmental awareness.

2. What are the group's communication patterns?

• Verbal Communication:
  • Meetings are largely informal, with a mix of structured discussions (e.g., planning planting schedules, assigning tasks) and casual conversation.
  • Leadership is distributed, with different members taking on roles based on their expertise (e.g., composting, pest control).
  • Communication is generally direct and open, though occasional disagreements arise regarding gardening techniques or task assignments.
  • There is a high use of jargon relating to gardening.