Small Group Negotiations

Over the years, technology and education have gone hand in hand. As the students grow, so do the ways they communicate amongst one another. Since most students today interact using technology and text based means, many of the nonverbal cues and face to face subtleties are lost in the mix. Simple things like head nods and facial expressions are replaced by other cues through text.

Instead of focusing so much on what’s missing, students should look to the resources they have in front of them and what is available. Immediacy, or the communicative behaviors that reduce the physical or psychological distance between individuals, allows students to still keep communication fresh and moving. Immediacy is the ability to also keep the same intimacy between group members by using humor and small talk while still having serious discussion. By getting that out of the way in the very beginning, members will feel more comfortable discussing important matters without feeling too separated.

Some examples of effective online communication include empathizing with your fellow members. When another student is confused or irritated with something that involves the task at hand, help them out. Talk them through it and try to move on while still remaining patient and supportive. When a group member says something, try not to let them hang for a while either, as this could put them under the impression that they didn’t say the right thing or that they are being ignored. By doing so, you waste the rest of the group’s discussion time.



Supportive words and comments also help the rest of the group. Even at the beginning of the meeting, it is always helpful to start off with a “hey glad everybody is here” or “can’t wait to start”. When the others see this, they will have enough of a morale boost that the actual work will not seem to drag on as much. Also by sending out the positive message to the rest, those who were reluctant to speak before the meeting will be more motivated and want to voice their opinions and ideas openly and without any reserve.


Paulus, Trena M. "Online but Off-topic:negotiating Common Ground in Small Learning Groups." Instructional Science 37.3 (2009). Print.