Blog Archive

Sunday, 30 September 2018

How to speak so that people want to listen



Thank you to James who mailed me over the weekend with this beaut of a TED talk.


If you haven't yet watched any TED talks, please do. I find it a great resource for teaching and also for leisure, as the presenters often (not always) inspire. They have something to say, and deliver in their own ways.


Young Mr. MacKay noted that he will certainly take on board some of the messages in this delivery, although he wasn't sure whether he would be standing doing the exercises in the corridor before the discussion assessment!


Nice one and I hope you enjoy this talk.


Mark

Thursday, 27 September 2018

A Nurse's letter to her children

http://thefootnotes.com.au/a-nurses-letter-to-her-children/

I thought you might be interested in the above article. I'm sure it will strike a chord with many of you and one for you to reflect upon.

As always, I'm keen to read your thoughts.

All the best,

Mark



Helpful Resources and Discussion Assessment Times


Hello all,


Here are a few links to some reliable web links which might be of interest to you, not only for the discussion, but for any research tasks you might be asked to perform in the future. 













NCLAN has invested in some excellent online resources. To locate them, you should:





Click on Moodle



My Library



Go to Resources





Go to online resources



 Scroll down to ‘Issues Online’





Dates and times for the assessments are as follows (room 2012):



4th October 2018 at 13:50 - Nicolle, Jamie Lee, Kat, Gillian, Myra, Margo 



4th October 2018 at 14:40 - Shona, Debbie, Aaron, Becky, Jordan, James 



11th October 2018 at 13:50 - Lorraine, Lorraine, Rebecca, Michaela, Charlene, Sharon 



11th October 2018 at 14:40 - Kelly, Simbi, Lauren, Denise, Helen, Claire, Michelle 


You will need to remember to bring research notes, cue cards, printed information to the discussion assessment. When using statistics in particular, you should note the sources when speaking so there is evidence of sufficient research.


If any of the groups wishes to change their subject, please e mail to ensure suitability.


I look forward to the discussions and I'm sure you will all enjoy your respective topics too.


You only attend the assessment slot you have been allocated and will be authorised for my class in the other week.


All the best,


Mark







Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Reflective writing

Hello all,


Just a very quick posting to say that I have read all of your writing submissions on the 'please let me introduce myself' task and I enjoyed doing so.


I was struck, very clearly, with how open you all were, and identifying (in many cases) that the time is right for you now to undertake the SWAP course. Timing is often of such great import in everything that we do.


I felt that the writing in the main was of a good standard and there were no shrieks of anguish my end which should be good news to you!


For those members of the class who identified aspects of their writing they felt might be an issue, don't forget that I have added links to a load of goodies in the section on the top right of the blog called 'USEFUL WEBLINKS'.


I will return everybody's writing to them with some feedback on Thursday, but well done all.


All the best,


Mark



Discussion assessment info. and preparation

Hello all,

Just a quick note to say that if you have a laptop, ipad etc., please bring it to the Communication class on Thursday so you can each do some research.

We will use that session to assemble into four groups for the first assessment and look at possible discussion topics. There are different ways in which we can do this and I will make some suggestions on the day.



Last year the topics chosen were transgender issues, two groups looked at euthanasia and the final group discussed the subject of abortion.

In years before that, smacking of children, cosmetic /plastic surgery and the state of the NHS have been discussion topics of choice.

There will be three groups of six and one group of seven as we have a very healthy 25 learners in the class which is fantastic.

This assessment is straightforward but requires some research, organization and clarification. You also need to bring to your assessment any notes you have used (can be printouts from the Internet, typed up, handwritten, cue cards, whatever suits you). This evidence will go into your respective student folders for my keeping.

As per our weekly plan of classes the first assessment will happen on the 4th and 11th October 2018.

One group will come at 13.50 on 4/10 and another group at 14.40 on 11/10. The following week will see the remaining students come to do their assessment at 13.50 and 14.40 pm respectively.



You only attend the assessment slot. This will be agreed and set in stone at the start of the class this Thursday.

I will give you some advice on how we can organize the groups in the session on 27th September.

This is arguably the most straightforward (students in the past would certainly agree) of the eight assessments we will do and the feedback is traditionally pretty positive.

I look forward to seeing you all, and please read the brief I gave you out when we last met as a class, which explains the assessment clearly and we can take things from there.

Anybody who doesn't have a laptop, access to a phone, tablet on the day will be able to pop over to the library to conduct some research around 14.30 or so, ensuring everybody will be able to access information and won't be disadvantaged.



In an ideal world, you will come to class and already be in four groups with an agreed topic! Failing that, there are a number of was we can assemble into groups (as noted in the assessment brief).


Just to clarify then, the discussion has the purpose of exploring ideas in a relevant academic or vocational context. Since each contributor must make a significant contribution to the discussion, it may be helpful to clarify responsibility for certain aspects of the discussion in advance. This is of course dependent on which topic each group chooses to discuss.


The criteria against which you will each be assessed is noted on the assessment brief.


All the best,


Mark




Thursday, 20 September 2018

UCAS Lanarkshire Event feedback

Hello all,


So how did the UCAS event go?


What was it about, what did you learn and what did you think of it?


I actually don't know anything about it, so would be really interested to hear what you all thought?


It certainly sounds like a tremendous opportunity to (I am guessing) find out how to fill the UCAS applications in well, learn some tricks and also share ideas.


Tell me more!


Mark



Monday, 17 September 2018

Why it's OK to have 'bad manners'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45498464

This is a very interesting article which instantly piqued my interest when I read the headline, especially as I detest 'bad manners' (not the Ska group from the 80s I should add!) For what it is worth, I am not convinced that bad manners can ever be acceptable.

Like anything in society, we see 'rules' and 'norms' changing, be clouded, broken and/or ignored. This in a variety of contexts of course.

Culture can dictate these 'rules' sometimes. How often do we care to find out what these conventions are? What ARE bad manners?

This to me is a fascinating article and introduces a few bugbears of my own, namely and off the top of my head...

  • Students using 'phones in class when there isn't an emergency, good reason to do so, and crucially, are disrupting learning. (Where there are valid reasons of course, a common sense approach is always made). As long as we are told. Telepathy is something I need to work on sometimes it would seem!
  • Passengers who let their mobile ring on public transport without a care for others. Seemingly for many minutes 
  • Travellers who talk very loudly on trains who ignore the very obvious (large) signs asking them to refrain from doing so
Now, I doubt that I could ever be accused of being a grumpy (old) man at all, but what are these 'rules?' It is most certainly a talking point. How and why do they evolve?

Have a look at the article if you get a chance, reflect on my own thoughts above  and let's see what you think.

As always, just reflect from the heart!

See you all in a couple of weeks.

Mark


Helpful and accessible guide to the Harvard System of Referencing

https://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/files/QuickHarvardGuide2018.pdf

Above is a link to the quick guide to referencing.

We aren't using referencing in the Communication class until the Ne'er, but I feel it is a helpful reference point for you all.

There is also a fuller guide as a link to a pdf too.

I hope this will be of help to you. Click on the photo below to see a bigger version. I would advise you print it out too. It is a simple but nevertheless really helpful visual in my opinion.

All the best,

Mark


Friday, 14 September 2018

Apple criticised for making iPhones too big for women's hands

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/13/apple-criticised-making-phones-big-average-female-hand-announces/

APPLE has come under fire from feminists who say iPhones are now too big for women to hold.

Earlier this week, Apple revealed its largest-screen iPhones yet, and discontinued its famously small iPhone SE model too.

So what do you think? Thank you to James who thought this topic might yield some healthy debate.
Have a great weekend, whatever you are up to.
Mark




If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original


This is a presentation from one of my favourite presenters and educators. He is dry, witty, intelligent and thought provoking.

What do you think about what he is saying?

He is a firm favourite on the TED circuit and isn't afraid to challenge convention. I like this about him.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Mark

Thursday, 13 September 2018

Communication in pictures

What a creative group you are! Love these. Communication really IS all around us.

See you all in two weeks.

All the best,

Mark

PS - please click on the artwork to see them in all their glory!






Communication and Nursing

I really enjoyed finding out what you thought Communication meant and what 'skills' and 'qualities' you felt would help make a Nurse effective. I have kept a log of the thoughts of the five groups and they are noted below. Well done to the typists who stepped up and gave their IT skills a public airing, bravo!

It is interesting to see the similarities in your thinking and this bodes well for the future. Thank you to everybody who contributed. Feel free to make comment on the session as always!


Defining Communication (SWAP Nurses Sep. 2018)
Group 1 – Expressing thoughts, feelings and emotions through many channels such as body language, speech, the written word and sign language.
Group 2 – A transfer of information, to connect with another person i.e. emotionally, physically, spiritually, visually and by use of body language.

Group 3 – Using different forms of interaction such as facial expressions, speech, writing and art.

Group 4 – Interaction between two or more people. This can be verbal, non-verbal, sign, body language, eye contact.

Group 5 – can be an act of talking and listening to each other, i.e. through body language, eye contact, writing or sign language.

Communication skills / qualities needed to become a successful Nurse
Group 1 – Good listener, understanding, Speaking, Non-verbal, Good eye contact, Good body language, Knowledgeable, Empathy, Initiative, Patience, Caring, Stamina, Compassion, Confidence, Approachable and able to problem solve.

Group 2 – active listening, understanding, good writing skills, empathy, patience, clearly spoken, reading skills, speaking skills, body language, confidence, courage, calmness, knowledge, critical thinking, stamina, ability to simplify, carefulness, honesty, patient centred care, good banter.

Group 3 – communication, listening, patience, sense of humour, self-esteem, understanding, thinking on your feet, teamwork, confidence. Trust, good eye contact, good learning skills, confidentiality, respect, dignity, good rapport

Group 4 – Listening, Body Language, Speaking, Good writing skills, Patience, Understanding, Basic IT skills, Developing confidence, Eye contact, Reassurance, Team player, Own initiative, awareness, Effective, Positive Attitude.

Group 5 –understanding, Patience, speak clearly, empathy, visual aids, body language, listening skills, compassion, respect, break down/simplify, considerate, confident, build rapport




Wednesday, 12 September 2018

'The NHS is not just doctors and nurses': five hidden roles

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/sep/12/nhs-not-just-doctors-nurses-five-hidden-roles


This is an interesting article which outlines some of the roles that we might not always consider when thinking about or discussing the NHS.


One thing is for sure though, that all these positions (and many others besides) are absolutely vital for the smooth running of the wonderful institution that is the NHS.


Tomorrow we will be looking at the subject of Communication, what it might be, how we can define it, looking at skills and attributes and other associated aspects to do with the subject we are learning about.


As always, lend me your thoughts on what you have read. The online news posts are great for reading newspaper articles you might not have previously engaged with, getting used to how they are constructed etc. which is never wasted information.


See you all tomorrow, and bring some coloured pens, as the last part of the class will be doing some drawing. I should clarify here, that good artistry is NOT needed for that exercise, so don't worry if you "can't draw for toffee", as they say...


Mark



Monday, 10 September 2018

Dementia mum 'comes alive' in singing classes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-nottinghamshire-45448478/dementia-patients-come-alive-in-singing-classes


The link above is to a story which caught my eye (and ear) this morning. The topic of dementia is often chosen by Nursing, Care, Healthcare students in various assessments and I think the link is certainly worth looking at.


Let me know what you think.


Mark





Remember, remember...the 13th of September!

Morning all,


I trust you all had a lovely weekend and are ready for week three. Time sure is going quickly!


Just a quick reminder that I would like you all to complete the short reflective writing exercise that I set you last Thursday.


It serves as an interesting unassessed piece of work for me - for your writing, for you to reflect on where your head is at the moment since you started the course, to think structurally, amongst other things.


It will be a dialogue between the two of us. Nobody else sees it and I will provide some feedback for the following week for you on a one to one basis.


I look forward to the class on Thursday where we (you) will define communication, assess the import of effective communication skills within the Nursing vocation and other associated exercises. Again, the session will include some working within small teams.


So, the 'Please let me introduce myself to you' writing exercise should either be handwritten or typed up for Thursday, whatever suits you. There is no word count on this unassesesd piece of work, as I know some of you will want to write lots and others might be slightly more economical. Both strategies are of course fine!


Until then, then.


Mark



Friday, 7 September 2018

Thursday, 6 September 2018

Moral Dilemma Feedback

Hi all,

I thoroughly enjoyed the Moral Dilemmas session this afternoon and it was a great exercise to get you thinking about the situation allocated to your group, forming a personal opinion, listening to the comments of your peers and articulating your thoughts individually and as a group. 

It also helps with confidence building.

I was impressed at the level of focus from all the five groups today and you all performed very well indeed.

Let me know in the comments section what you thought about the session. Did you find something out about yourself, were you swayed by the arguments of your peers, have you had second thoughts you communicated in the class?

All comments welcomed, and I always enjoy reading your thoughts. 


Tuesday, 4 September 2018

Lighthearted academic interlude at Hogwarts University...

Dear all,


In the not too distant future, you will be making your applications to UCAS if you have aspirations to go to University. Yvonne will give you some expert advice on that in due course, and I will pop a few things on the blog which will hopefully be of help to you.


I post a photo of an applicant's UCAS reply which is 'magical'. Learning and study can sure be fun.


Hopefully you will like this too! See you all on Thursday.


Mark



Sunday, 2 September 2018

Moral Dilemmas Thursday!

Hello all,


I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and reflecting on your first week at College. It went quickly for me, even in my 24th year of lecturing time still flies. Which reminds me of an old Groucho Marx quote - "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana..." (Think on that one, it's actually deliciously clever!)


Anyway, on Thursday we will do some group work on moral dilemmas. What is a moral dilemma I hear you say? It could best be described as a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two (or more) courses of action, which entails transgressing a moral principle or principles. This exercise worked a treat over the last couple of years as you get the chance to consider some scenarios and decide what you might do. And crucially, why...


So, to whet the appetite for that session, try this one below for size. It is of course hypothetical and no judgments will be made. So what do you think?






You have witnessed a man rob a bank, but then, he did something completely unusual and unexpected with the money. He donated it to an orphanage that was poor, run-down and lacking in proper food, care, water and amenities. The sum of money would be a great benefit to the orphanage, and the children’s lives would turn from poor to prosperous.


Would you:


a: Call the police and report the robber, even though they would likely take the money away from the orphanage?


b: Do nothing and leave the robber and the orphans alone?


c: Do something else?


Hmmmm.