Gender and Listening

In Chapter 4, the test talks about how men and women listen differently. One of the big things the chapter covers is rapport versus report.  The book says that women listen and share based on building rapport; they share feelings, opinions, give compliments, and work to become closer in their relationship.  The text says that men communicate more based on report, or the sharing of facts, expertise, and experiences.  This is incredibly true in my advisory.  I've been observing and ease-dropping a little bit, and that couldn't be closer to the truth, especially for the women in my advisory. Yesterday, they were even discussing what they dreamed the night before and what they each thought the dreams meant. Wow! 

Anti-Stereotype Posters

I was scrolling through Facebook earlier today and came a across a post from a previous student of mine.  She posted the most interesting link, and something that clearly relates to our class.

The Posters


Earlier this week I made the point that stereotypes often stem from one experience and then become an example of over-generalization, where someone says all things/people are like that just because one example help some specific trait. These posters go against that. They cancel out the stereotype and even explain how each is wrong and even dangerous.  I really suggest you check them out.  They are insightful.  

Source: http://geekxgirls.com/article.php?ID=3188

 

 

It's all about perception

In class today, we talked a lot of perception. We talked about how it can affect our self-concept (how we perceive ourselves).  Perception can also affect us through self-fulfilling prophecy, where we actually alter our behavior and self-concept based on the influence of how someone else perceives us.  Perception is POWERFUL!  For example, you may not feel very confident entering a room, but if you act in a way that makes sure others perceive your confidence (however false it may be), you've suceeded on making the impression you hoped for.  With that in mind, be like this kitten:

source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4kkM8uoretY/hqdefault.jpg

Go, Carley! and/or Go, KoMet traditions!

This past week, we talked a lot about culture.  One of those cultures we talked about was masculine versus feminine culture.  Another culture I mentioned was our school. 

This past week, one of our KoMet athletes was in the paper for a major accomplishment.  Based on how the feminine culture is described in our text book, this athlete may not fit the normal expectations of society.  I think she should be commended for that!  What an amazing athlete!  If you see Carey in the hallways, please give her a congrats. She's achieved something monumental. 

Read about it here:  Post-Bulletin article


Another culture I mentioned was our school.  One of our traditions as a culture is homecoming.  As senior advisor, I've already started working on Coronation, which is a big part of this tradition.  I am a big fan of traditions, but I also accept that traditions change over time. 

How do you feel about high school traditions, like homecoming? Do you think they should be maintained? Or are they a thing of the past?

Source: http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o110/revmyspace/freegraphics/greeting/Events_Homecoming.gif

What? I can't hear you?

After reading the class' blogs today, I  noticed the hot topic was physical noise.  It seemed a few people where still confused about physiological noise, so I went hunting for a good example. Remember, physiological has to do with the body, something typically long-term, that is getting in the way of the message being received. Here is an example from Seinfeld. I hope it helps offer some clarity.

Video Example

9th graders running the gauntlet

A really neat tradition KM has happens before school even really starts.  On the day before the first day of school, Link Crew leaders and 9th graders fill the halls and classrooms helping 9th graders feel more comfortable with the transition into high school.  To welcome the 9th graders, staff and students create a tunnel, or gauntlet, for the 9th graders to run through as they enter the gym for the first time.  The tunnel/gauntlet is filled with cheers, smiles, and high fives for the incoming freshman.  Their facial expressions are priceless; they are a mix of fear, shock, being overwhelmed, and excitement.  Their nonverbal communication is usually a pretty good indicator of how those particular students are feeling.  That's one of the best parts of Interpersonal Communication: becoming more aware of other's nonverbal communication.

Do you remember running that same gauntlet?  How did you feel?

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