Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

This course is split into three types of requirements:

  1. Learn. For each of the 7 topics, you will complete "Learn" modules. These include various readings, videos, engaging activities, and reflections that prepare you for each of your 7 "Practice" Live Sessions.
  2. Practice. These are real-time virtual meetings with your peers and PACA Coach. Each Live Session provides a chance to reflect on the material from the "Learn" modules.
  3. Demonstrate. Each topic ends with a "Demonstrate" assessment in which you submit original work to show what you have learned.

You must complete all Learn, Practice, and Demonstrate sections to pass this course. This includes 7 "Learn" Topics, 7 "Practice" Live Sessions, 2 "Demonstrate" Quizzes, and 5 "Demonstrate" Performance Assessments (videos, presentation outline, and Educational Journey Map).

Live sessions are not optional. Your classmates are counting on you to be in the sessions so you can listen to and learn from one another. If you must miss a Live Session, contact your PACA Coach before the session. Your PACA Coach will provide you with a limited number of make-up options.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The learner identifies foundational elements of communication theory and understands how it impacts one's own personal and professional relationships.
  • The learner describes the role of empathy, listening skills, and self-awareness in managing one's own emotions.
  • The learner identifies strategies to reduce and manage conflict and improves interpersonal skills through the application of appropriate communication theory.
  • The learner describes self-monitoring and self-regulated learning to manage beliefs, thoughts, and emotions during decision-making.
  • The learner describes the concept of a thriving mindset by integrating the role of self-reflection, self-efficacy, resilience, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills.
  • The learner describes how sociocultural environments shape self-identity, interpersonal communication, and learning opportunities.
  • The learner develops meaningful goals through an increased value of learning and internal motivation to achieve personal and professional pursuits.

Assessment

This course requires the successful completion of two quizzes and five submissions. The objective assessments (quizzes) provide an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on each of the five performance assessments (submissions) to pass the course.

You may attempt each assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Specialist.

Note: Practice assessment scores will not count toward your final grade. These results are meant only to give you feedback on how you are doing.

7 Topics
7 Live Sessions
2 Quizzes
5 Submissions
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

TopicAssignments:
0: Success Center
  • New Student Survey
1: Changing Thoughts
  • Live Session 1
  • Quiz: Brain Science
2: Managing Emotions
  • Live Session 2
  • Assignment: Mini-Lesson Oral Presentation with Peer Feedback
3: Trusting Abilities
  • Live Session 3
4: Exploring Bias
  • Live Session 4
  • Assignment: Storytelling Oral Presentation with Peer Feedback
5: Knowing Theory
  • Live Session 5
  • Quiz: Communication Theory
6: Applying Skills
  • Live Session 6
  • Assignment: Presentation Outline
7: Thriving
  • Live Session 7
  • Assignment: Educational Journey Map PDF and Video

Final Assignments

At the end of the course, you will complete your Educational Journey Map worksheet and give an oral presentation on your Educational Journey Map. You will also complete a Post-Course Survey.

Assignment Descriptions

Brain Science Quiz

This quiz will assess your understanding of how learning happens in the brain, how the brain responds to perceived and real threats, how these responses impact our ability to communicate, and the role of neuroplasticity in developing new skills.

Video 1: Mini-Lesson

You will demonstrate your understanding of course material by teaching how mindfulness, bioresponses (brain science), and managing emotions impact decision-making.

Video 2: Storytelling

You will demonstrate your oral presentation skills and use of presentation technology by telling a personal story that reflects how your sociocultural environment impacted your interpersonal communication skills, self-identity, learning opportunities, and academic self-efficacy.

Communication Theory Quiz

This quiz will assess your understanding of communication theory and application. Two theories and one communication practice are included: Communication Accommodation Theory, Symbolic Interactionism Theory, and Nonviolent Communication.

Presentation Outline

This assignment will help you think critically about your final presentation and demonstrate your ability to identify your intended audience, purpose, supporting points, organization of the presentation, and reflection on what you have learned in the course.

Educational Journey Map PDF

This template documents your reflection on major topics learned in the course including understanding and managing emotions, self-efficacy, interpersonal skills, and communication skills, and application of these topics to your educational journey and professional career.

Video 3: Educational Journey

You will demonstrate your improved presentation skills, along with your ability to apply the concepts learned in the course. Specifically, you will demonstrate what you have learned about understanding and managing emotions, self-efficacy, the impact of bias and sociocultural concepts, and interpersonal skills. You will also explain how these concepts impact communication skills.

Key Contacts

Course Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX's commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.