Interpersonal Communication Self Assessment Surveys

This survey is anonymous and is intended to help you assess your communication skills,
relative to this particular class. You will be doing this survey at least two times during the course:
once at the beginning of the term (Pre-Test) and once at the end of the term (Post-Test).
Using this document:
1 Save this document on your computer or a flash drive. It will be helpful for you at the end of the semester!
2 At the bottom of this
document, you should see
the following "tabs":
3 After reading these instructions, click on the desired tab. At the beginning of the semester, you
will complete the Pre-Test survey, then answer 5 questions (listed at the bottom of the survey
on the Pre-Test tab). At the end of the semester, you will take the Post-Test survey.
4 Make sure you understand the rating scale; enter your answers (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) in the designated box.
NOTE: If you don't know how to navigate scroll bars in Excel, ask me or someone else.
5 After reviewing your survey responses, type out your answers to the 5 questions noted.
(Pre-Test 5 Questions are below the survey questions on the Pre-Test tab; Post-Test 5 Questions
are below the survey questions on the Comparison Tab.)
6 For the Pre-Test Survey:
- After entering your survey responses on the Pre-Test tab, click on the Comparison Tab.
(This tab automatically enters your survey responses; when you take the post-test, it will
summarize those answers, as well as calculate the differences.)

- Print out 2 copies of the Pretest Survey page (it will only print the data, not everything on the bottom).

(you can print out the Pretest page, or the Comparison page. The Comparison page will be resized to a
single page. The Pretest Survey page will print out multiple pages.)

- Print out two (2) copies of your answers to the 5 Questions.

(Remember: You can find those questions at the bottom of the Pretest tab)

- In an envelope, put the Pre-Test Survey (the one you printed from Comparison Tab) and
a copy of your 5 Questions in an envelope (write your name on the envelope).
- Bring your envelope and the second copy of your 5 Questions to class. (I will keep the envelope

to return to you at the end of the semester in case you misplace your originals; I will grade the second
copy of the 5 Questions for this assignment.)

Turn into ME:

1 In an ENVELOPE (with your name on the outside):
2

- Copy of Pretest Survey Page

- Copy of Pre-Test Survey 5 Questions
Pre-Test Survey 5 Question (for me to grade)

Keep for YOU:

1 Copy of the Pre-Test Survey 5 Questions
2 Copy of the pre-test survey (so
you can compare your Post-Test
answers to it)--electronic copies okay.

7 For the Post-Test Survey:

- Click on the Post-Test tab and answer the survey questions. (There are a few more questions than
-

you saw on the Pre-Test survey; please answer those as well.)

Click on the Comparison Tab. (This tab should automatically summarize your Pre-Test and Post-Test
responses, so you can easily compare the two sets of answers. The last column subtracts your Pre-Test
scores from your Post-Test scores. A positive number likely indicates an improvement; a negative number
could indicate that you've regressed. Keep in mind that changes could be due to a lack of understanding
of the concept at the beginning of the term or a more honest assessment at one of the survey times.)

Print out a copy of the Comparsion Tab document.

Answer the 5 Questions (in a different document, typed).
Turn the following into me:
- Your answers to the 5 Questions (remember, you can find those questions at the bottom
of the Comparison Tab document).

- The copy of the Comparison Tab document (with your pre-test and your post-test scores
summarized on it). No need to put your name on this document.

Interpersonal Communication
Self-Assessment Survey PRE-TEST
This survey is anonymous and is intended to help you assess your communication skills,
relative to this particular class. You will be doing this survey at least two times during the course:
once at the beginning of the term (Pre-Test) and once at the end of the term (Post-Test).
Please assess your appropriate use of interperpersonal communication skills in the following areas:
Use a 1-5 scale as follows:
1 Needs Significant Improvement
2 Needs Improvement
Leave the question blank if you
3 Good
don't know the concept or if
4 Very good
feel you can't assess your skill(s)
5 Excellent
NOTE: The "average" calculates automatically.

Your Score
I. Expressing Content
a.
b.
c.
d.

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Being brief and concise, getting to the point

Being decisive, definite, and firm
Talking in specifics, giving examples, details
Providing negative feedback to others in a functional way (i.e., not creating defensiveness in others)

average:

II. Expressing Feelings

a.
b.

Telling others when you do not understand something they have said or done
Giving support and positive feedback to others (contributing to another's self-esteem and acceptance.

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Telling others when you disagree with them

Telling others when you think they have changed the subject or are making irrelevant comments
Telling others when you are getting irritated
Letting your feelings show nonverbally (in facial expressions, posture, gestures, actions)
Self-disclosing on appropriate and risk-taking issues

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

average:

III. Understanding Others' Content

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!
1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Listening to understand rather than preparing your remarks

Helping others participate in the discussion
Before agreeing or disagreeing, checking to make sure you understand what others mean
Asking questions in ways that get more information than yes or no
Accepting others negative feedback in a functional way (i.e., non-defensive)
average:

IV. Understanding & Responding to Others's Feelings

#DIV/0!
1=NSI -- 5=Exc

a. Confirming with others what I think they are feeling rather than assuming I know
b. Responding to a person who is angry with me in such a way that I do not ignore his/her feelings
c. Responding to a person who is pleased with me in such a way that I do not ignore his/her feelings
d. Responding to a person who is expressing closeness and affection for me in a way that I do not ignore
his/her feelings
e. Surveying a group to determine how much agreement exists when a group is making a decision
f. Helping create a climate where others feel free to experiment with new behavior
g. Helping/Allowing others self-disclose appropriate and meaningful self information
h. Adjusting my communication behavior to meet the needs and moods of others or the communication
context
average:

#DIV/0!

V. General
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Talking in group discussions

Getting feedback, encouraging others to let me know how my actions affect them
Being able to tolerate silence when with others
Accepting help from others
Giving help to others
Yielding to others; giving into others
Standing up for myself
Being protective of others
Adapting to others differences (in gender, culture, beliefs, etc.)
Trusting others
Eliciting trusting behavior from others
average:

VI. Assessment of Course Content

#DIV/0!

1=Not at all -- 5=Extremely

a. On a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 meaning "Not at All" and 5 meaning "Extremely," how much, if at all, do you
think the course content APPLIES to your life?
b. On a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 meaning "Not at All" and 5 meaning "Extremely," how would you rate the
VALUE of this course to your interpersonal relationships?

5 QUESTIONS:
Review your answers and, in a separate document (TYPED), respond to the following
questions:
(Remember: You are being graded on the completeness of your answers, as well as how you
support your answers with examples. Oh, and don't forget to proofread!)
1 Is there a particular interpersonal communication skill that you think perform well? Why do you
2
3
4

think so? Give some examples.

Are there any areas of interpersonal communication that you would like to target for
improvement? Why do you think so? Give some examples.
Which of the skills covered in this pre-test survey do you feel is the most important in
interpersonal communication? Why?
Is there an area of interpersonal communication skills that you feel is important but is not covered
on this pre-test survey? If so, what area(s) and why? If not, what area(s) do you think may be
underrepresented?
Beyond a grade and/or meeting a graduation/major requirement, what are your expectations of
this class?

Turn into me a copy of this page (print area has already been set) and a copy of your answers
to the above questions.
Keep a copy of this document and your answers to the 5 questions in a safe place (you can keep
them electronically if you prefer). You will need them for comparisons.

Interpersonal Communication
Self-Assessment Survey POST-TEST
This survey is anonymous and is intended to help you assess your communication skills,
relative to this particular class. You will be doing this survey at least two times during the course:
once at the beginning of the term (Pre-Test) and once at the end of the term (Post-Test).
Please assess your appropriate use of interperpersonal communication skills in the following areas:
Use a 1-5 scale as follows:
1 Needs Significant Improvement (NSI)
2 Needs Improvement (NI)
Leave the question blank if you
3 Good (G)
don't know the concept or if
4 Very good (VG)
feel you can't assess your skill(s)
5 Excellent (Exc)
NOTE: The "average" calculates automatically.

Your Score
I. Expressing Content
a.
b.
c.
d.

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Being brief and concise, getting to the point

Being decisive, definite, and firm
Talking in specifics, giving examples, details
Providing negative feedback to others in a functional way (i.e., not creating defensiveness in others)

average:

II. Expressing Feelings

a.
b.

Telling others when you do not understand something they have said or done
Giving support and positive feedback to others (contributing to another's self-esteem and acceptance)

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Telling others when you disagree with them

Telling others when you think they have changed the subject or are making irrelevant comments
Telling others when you are getting irritated
Letting your feelings show nonverbally (in facial expressions, posture, gestures, actions)
Self-disclosing on appropriate and risk-taking issues

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

average:

III. Understanding Others' Content

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

#DIV/0!

#DIV/0!
1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Listening to understand rather than preparing your remarks

Helping others participate in the discussion
Before agreeing or disagreeing, checking to make sure you understand what others mean
Asking questions in ways that get more information than yes or no
Accepting others negative feedback in a functional way (i.e., non-defensive)
average:

IV. Understanding & Responding to Others's Feelings

#DIV/0!
1=NSI -- 5=Exc

a. Confirming with others what I think they are feeling rather than assuming I know
b. Responding to a person who is angry with me in such a way that I do not ignore his/her feelings.
c. Responding to a person who is pleased with me in such a way that I do not ignore his/her feelings
d. Responding to a person who is expressing closeness and affection for me in a way that I do not ignore
his/her feelings
e. Surveying a group to determine how much agreement exists when a group is making a decision
f. Helping create a climate where others feel free to experiment with new behavior
g. Helping/Allowing others self-disclose appropriate and meaningful self information
h. Adjusting my communication behavior to meet the needs and moods of others or the communication
context
average:

#DIV/0!

V. General
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

1=NSI -- 5=Exc

Talking in group discussions

Getting feedback, encouraging others to let me know how my actions affect them
Being able to tolerate silence when with others
Accepting help from others
Giving help to others
Yielding to others; giving into others
Standing up for myself
Being protective of others
Adapting to others differences (in gender, culture, beliefs, etc.)
Trusting others
Eliciting trusting behavior from others
average:

#DIV/0!

VI. Assessment of Course Content

1=Not at all -- 5=Extremely
a. On a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 meaning "Not at All" and 5 meaning "Extremely," how much, if at all, do you
think the course content APPLIES to your life?
b. On a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 meaning "Not at All" and 5 meaning "Extremely," how would you rate the
VALUE of this course to your interpersonal relationships?
VII. YOUR Assessment of the Student Learning Outcomes for this Course:
On a 1-5 scale, with 1 meaning "Not At All" and 5 meaning "Extremely Well," how well would
1=Not at all -- 5=Extremely
you assess your knowledge and application of the following:
a. Identify and apply a variety of theories relevant to interpersonal communication.
b. Analyze the role of the individual as both a sender and receiver in the communication process.
c. Differentiate the various factors involved in communication which enhance or restrict the
communication effectiveness.
d. Assess the impact of intercultural communication and adapt communication appropriately in
interpersonal relationships.
e. Diagnose interpersonal conflict in communication and differentiate amongst general strategies to
effectively manage conflict.
f. Evaluate the use and effect of symbols in interpersonal communication. (e.g., verbal and nonverbal
communication as symbols)
g. Utilize a variety of communication strategies to increase effectiveness in interpersonal relationships.
h. Appraise the impact of perception in effective interpersonal communication.
i. Apply appropriate listening styles and assess the importance of effective listening in producing
satisfying interpersonal relationships.
j. Illustrate and interpret the application of nonverbal principles.
k. Differentiate amongst self-concept, self-worth, and self-esteem.
l. Contrast interpersonal communication with other forms of communication (e.g., intrapersonal
communication, impersonal communication, public communication).
m. Demonstrate understanding of the iimpact of ethical standards in relation to interpersonal
communication.
n. Contrast factors that contribute to supportive and defensive communication climates (e.g., honesty,
empathy, provisionalism), and employ supportive communication behaviors.
o. Recognize various emotional states and use appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques to
express/respond to emotions.
p. Diagnose self-disclosure approaches and their impact in interpersonal relationships.
q. Critique theoretical models of relationship dynamics (e.g., relational development models, dialectical
tensions, social exchange, circumplex model of family interaction)

The 5 Questions for the Post-Test are listed on the Comparison Tab.

Comparisons: Post-Test minus Pre-Test Scores

I. Expressing Content

average =

Pre-Test
#DIV/0!

II. Expressing Feelings

average =

#DIV/0!

III. Understanding Others' Content

average =

#DIV/0!

IV. Understanding/Responding to Others' Feelings

average =

#DIV/0!

V. General

average =

#DIV/0!

a.
b.
c.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

Brief/Concise
Decisive, definite, firm
Being specific
Providing negative feedback to others

Telling others that you don't understand them

Giving support & positive feedback to others
Telling others when you disagree
Telling others when they are off topic
Telling others when you are getting irritated
Showing your feelings nonverbally
Self-disclosing appropriately
Listening to understand
Helping others participate in discussion
Checking for understanding before agreeing/disagreeing
Asking open-ended questions
Accepting negative feedback
Confirming rather than assuming
Responding to others who are angry with me
Responding to others who are pleased with me
Responding to others who express closeness/affection
Surveying others for agreement during decisionmaking
Creating a supportive communication climate
Helping/Allowing others self-disclose appropriately
Adapting communication behavior to the communication context
Talking in group discussions
Getting and requesting feedback
Tolerating silence
Accepting help from others
Giving help to others
Yielding to others; giving into others
Standing up for myself
Being protective of others
Adapting to others' differences
Trusting others
Eliciting trusting behavior from others

VI. Assessment of Course Content

a.
b.

Assessment of APPLICATION to your life

Assessment of VALUE to relationships

VI. Assessment of SLOs

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.

Variety of Interpersonal Theories

Communication Model/Process
General Factors Improving/Restricting Communication
Diversity/Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Conflict
Symbols (NV & V)
Improved Effectiveness in Interpersonal Relationships
Impact of Perception
Listening Styles
Nonverbal Communication
Self-Concept, Self-Worth, Self-Esteem
Types of Communication
Ethical Communication in Interpersonal Relationships
Communication Climates
Emotions
Self-Disclosure
Models of Relational Dynamics

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

average =

Post-Test
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0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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0
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Diff
#DIV/0!

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0
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0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

5 QUESTIONS:
Review your answers from the above summary and, in a separate document (TYPED),
respond to the following questions:
(Remember: You are being graded on the completeness of your answers, as well as how you
support your answers with examples. Oh, and don't forget to proofread!)
NOTE: Graph below may assist you in your analysis.
1

Do you see any changes in your answers on the two surveys (Pre-Test and Post-Test)
that indicate that you have improved in certain skill areas? Which areas? Cite
examples.

Are there any areas where you did not improve? If so, is it because the skills take time
to learn, that we did not work on them, or some other reason? If you improved in all
areas, which areas showed the least improvement? Why?

Now which of the skills covered in this pre-test/post-test survey do you believe is the
most important in interpersonal communication? Why? Is it the same one you
identified in your Pre-Test answers? Why or why not?

Is there an area of interpersonal communication skills which you now feel is important
but is not covered on this pre-test/post-test survey? If so, what area(s) and why? If
not, what area(s) do you think may be underrepresented? Is your answer the same
now as when you took the Pre-Test? Why or why not?

Did this class meet the expectations you cited in your Pre-Test write up? If so, how? If
not, why not?

Major Categories (Summarized)

I. Expressing Content
II. Expressing Feelings
III. Understanding Others' Content
IV. Understanding/Responding to Others' Feelings
V. General

Comparison of Major Categories (averages)

V. General
IV. Understanding/Responding to Others'
Feelings
III. Understanding Others' Content
II. Expressing Feelings
I. Expressing Content

Pre-Test Post-Test Diff

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