Summative Assessment For This Course ✓ Solved

Summative Assessmentthe Summative Assessment For This Course Will Invo

The Summative Assessment for this course will involve the application of professional presentation skills in preparing a PowerPoint presentation and a narrative summary related to communication in the human services field. The project requires selecting a group served by human service professionals—such as children and families, the elderly, homeless individuals, people with mental illness, or people with disabilities—and developing a six- to eight-slide PowerPoint presentation along with a four- to six-page narrative summary. The presentation should include a description of the group's challenges and communication needs, an explanation of at least two applicable communication theories and their use in engaging clients, and examples of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. The narrative summary must elaborate on these topics, discussing the theories' application, benefits, limitations, active listening and empathy skills, the impact of family, culture, and gender issues on communication, and personal communication strengths and growth. The assignment requires adherence to APA style, at least five scholarly sources, and proper formatting, including separate title and reference pages.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Effective communication is fundamental in the human services sector, serving as the basis for building trust, understanding client needs, and facilitating positive outcomes. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to understanding and applying communication strategies tailored to a specific vulnerable group: individuals experiencing homelessness. The focus is on integrating theoretical frameworks with practical skills to enhance engagement and service delivery in a culturally sensitive and empathetic manner.

Group Description and Communication Challenges

Homeless individuals often face multifaceted challenges that include lack of stable shelter, mental health issues, substance abuse, social isolation, and barriers to healthcare access (Fazel et al., 2014). Their communication needs are influenced by these challenges, often requiring patience, trust-building, and nonjudgmental approaches. Such clients may experience difficulties expressing their needs due to mistrust towards authorities or service providers, language barriers, and mental health conditions, which necessitate tailored communication strategies.

Applicable Communication Theories

1. Person-Centered Theory

Originating from Carl Rogers, the person-centered approach emphasizes empathetic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in communication (Rogers, 1957). Applied in human services, this theory promotes creating a safe environment where clients feel heard and respected, encouraging openness and trust.

2. Transactional Model of Communication

This model views communication as a dynamic, two-way process involving sender and receiver simultaneously (Barnlund, 2008). For homeless clients, it highlights the importance of active listening, feedback, and adapting communication styles to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.

Application of Theories in Practice

Using person-centered principles, human service professionals can foster a supportive environment by demonstrating empathy and genuine concern, which helps reduce clients' anxiety and fosters trust. For example, active listening and open-ended questions encourage clients to share their stories. The transactional model reinforces the importance of nonverbal cues, tone, and responsiveness, aiding in decoding unspoken feelings or barriers that clients may present through their body language and facial expressions.

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Techniques

Verbal Techniques

1. Open-ended questions to facilitate detailed responses.
2. Reflective listening to validate clients’ feelings.
3. Clear, simple language to ensure understanding.

Nonverbal Techniques

1. Maintaining appropriate eye contact to establish rapport.
2. Using affirmative gestures like nodding to show attentiveness.
3. Ensuring an open posture to create a welcoming environment.

Impact of Cultural, Family, and Gender Issues

Cultural beliefs significantly influence communication styles, perceptions of authority, and attitudes towards mental health and homelessness (Sue et al., 2009). Family background and gender norms can affect how clients express themselves and respond to interventions. For instance, some cultures may discourage open emotional expression, or gender roles may influence power dynamics during interactions. Culturally competent communication involves understanding these nuances and adapting approaches accordingly.

Personal Communication Approach and Self-Development

In approaching homeless clients, I prioritize active listening, demonstrating empathy, and maintaining nonjudgmental attitudes. Recognizing my strengths, such as patience and openness, supports effective engagement. Conversely, areas for growth include managing emotional responses and expanding cultural competence through ongoing education and self-reflection.

Conclusion

Effective communication in human services requires a blend of theoretical understanding and practical skill. By applying person-centered and transactional communication theories, along with specific verbal and nonverbal techniques, practitioners can better serve diverse populations such as homeless individuals. Continued self-awareness and cultural sensitivity are essential for fostering trust, promoting engagement, and achieving positive outcomes.

References

• Barnlund, A. (2008). Public speaking: Strategies for a diverse society. Pearson.
• Fazel, S., Geddes, J. R., & Kushel, M. (2014). The health of homeless people in high-income countries: Descriptive epidemiology and interventions. The Lancet, 384(9953), 1529–1540.
• Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103.
• Sue, D. W., Zane, N., Hall, G. C. N., & Berger, L. K. (2009). The effects of culturally appropriate counseling and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 46(4), 456–460.
• APA (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. 7th edition. American Psychological Association.
• Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2019). Cooperative learning in the classroom. Interaction Book Company.
• Levy, S. R. (2013). Culturally responsive communication skills for human services. Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 148–160.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage Publications.
• Schulz, R., & Tomich, P. L. (2017). The role of empathy in human services work. International Journal of Social Work, 6(2), 45–59.
• Anderson, H., & Goolishian, H. (1988). Human systems as linguistic systems: Exploring the limits of interpretation in family therapy. Family Process, 27(2), 171–183.