CMN101Y Constructivism Part1

About this Video

• Video Title: CMN101Y Constructivism Part 1
• Channel: UCDCMN101
• Speakers: Dr. Bo Feng, Dr. Cindy Shen (mentioned)
• Duration: 00:05:09

Introduction

This video introduces the communication skills theory of constructivism, developed by Professor Jesse Delia and colleagues. Dr. Bo Feng explains the theory by highlighting the variation in communication skills among individuals, using examples to illustrate the differences between more and less skillful communication.

Key Takeaways

• Communication Skill Variation: People exhibit a wide range of communication skills. Some are consistently more skillful than others.
• Constructivism's Focus: The theory of constructivism attempts to explain what allows some individuals to be highly successful communicators. It explores the qualities, abilities, and knowledge that contribute to effective communication and how these are acquired.
• Illustrative Examples (Michael and John): The video uses the contrasting email requests for a term paper extension from two students, Michael and John, to demonstrate differences in communication skill. John's approach, demonstrating sensitivity and respect, is considered more skillful.
• Research Validation: The email examples used in the video have been utilized in research, with most participants rating John's email as superior to Michael's.
• Central Question: The video poses the question of why one communication style is considered more skillful than another, highlighting this as a central question addressed by the theory of constructivism.