Conversational Norms

Far Eastern University

General Education

Activity #4: Conversational Norms and Politeness Strategies

NAME: BUENAVISTA, Reena PROGRAM: BSA DATE: 10/1/20

SECTION: SEC 8 SCHEDULE: W,S 12-1:30pm FACULTY: Ms Sanapo

A. Effective conversations are also important in various collaborative works. In the context of knowledge
construction, classical conversational norms apply both in face-to-face and technology-mediated mode of
communication. In reference to the second reading material Classic Conversational Norms in Modern
Computer-Mediated Collaboration, come up with a list of conversational norms that can make both face-
to-face and technology or computer-mediated collaborations more effective. Provide reasons and specific
examples for each item. Answer briefly but meaningfully. Also, provide in-text citations and references
when referring to ideas from other authors.

What we believe as norms in face-to-face Reason / Example

collaborative knowledge construction

1. Posing questions to explore ideas or to be According to US Department State (n.d), asking

aware of what to focus on questions enables other collaborators to pose
inquiries into their own thinking. For instance,
questions such as “What are the examples?”
allows them to clarify the idea and specify their
thinking.

2. Laying all ideas on the table A meaningful collaboration is composed of

various ideas from different members. When all of
those ideas are exposed to the group, it enables all
of you to compare, analyze, and process all of that
information into something the makes sense. You
can start by saying “From my perception, I
think…”

3. Being conscious of self and of others
If we are aware and we understand the way how a
person analyzes an information, it helps us to
connect with them effectively (Costa & Garmston
as cited in US Dept State, n.d). Similarly,
observing how we express our thoughts help us to
be more careful of what we say and how we
respond to others.

4. Efficient paraphrasing of what have just been To paraphrase a statement is beneficial for us to
told keep the original intention of the speaker and
avoid possible confusion. One example of this is
through summarizing one’s thoughts into your
own words, which is also the most common way.

GED0111: Purposive Communication Page 1


5. “Presuming positive intentions” (Center for
Adaptive Schools, n.d)
What we believe as norms in computer-mediated
collaborative knowledge construction
1. Know the tools to use on connecting and
collaborating with other people
2. Respond in and promote interaction with a
constructive manner
3. Having a shared goal or purpose on
collaborating
4. Being aware of unintended learning outcomes
(Lindsay, 2015)
5. Encouraging clear communication skills
GED0111: Purposive Communication
Conversational Norms
This allows us to prevent misunderstanding
among the collaborators for we believe that all of
their goal’s far from being destructive. For
instance, when someone disagrees with you, you
won’t view it on a negative way as you trust it
with constructive purpose.
Reason / Example
This norm is under one’s preparation upon
participating in this type of collaboration; hence, it
is important to be familiar with the various means
to ensure that they are accessible and be aware of
its features. One example of a collaborative is
Wikipedia which is mentioned in the article of
Oeberst & Moskaliuk, J (2016).
This is as essential to that of the face-to-face
norms for it opens a healthy discussion for the
contributors even though they do not physically
interact with each other. For instance, when one
sees something he disagrees on twitter, he will
approach it by expressing his opinion while trying
not to offend anyone.
All effective collaboration is consisting of a
central goal among all the communicators.
Mainly, this norm aims to prevent destructive
communication such as when Viégas (as cited by
Oeberst & Moskaliuk, 2016) “found evidence of
vandalism, such as the complete deletion of
previously gathered knowledge”. A shared goal
guides all the member to the same direction.
Since this collaboration is done virtually, it is
understood that changes in plans are more likely
to happen as the interaction is limited due to the
means of communication. Learning opportunities
that one did not expect are possible, particularly
because you don’t actually see who you
collaborate with and know what ideas suddenly
come up on their mind.
As much as possible, if all collaborators are
willing to directly communicate with each other,
Page 2
 Conversational Norms

do it in a way that everyone will understand, such

as through always using universal language, as
well as utilizing the norm of paraphrasing
mentioned above.

Sources:

Center for Adaptive School (n.d). Norms of Collaboration Annotated. Center for Adaptive School.
Retrieved from www.adaptiveschools.com

Lindsay, J (2015). Norms of Online Global Collaboration. SlideShare. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/julielindsay/norms-of-online-global-collaboration

Oeberst, A and Moskaliuk, J (2016). Classic Conversational Norms in Modern Computer-Mediated

Collaboration. Educational Technology & Society, 19 (1), 187-198.

U.S. Department of State (n.d). Chapter 5: Seven Norms of Collaborative Work. U.S. Department of
State. Retrieved from https://2009-2017.state.gov/m/a/os/43984.htm

GED0111: Purposive Communication Page 3