Professor Polle paired Matt and Magnda as class project partners. After three weeks both Matt and Magdna came to their professor to complain about the other. Matt called Magda a "flake" and said she didn't work hard enough and didn't take the project seriously. Magda said Matt was "arrogant," wanted the project done only his way, and didn't care about all the commitments Magda had. It was too late in the semester for the professor to give them new partners
- Identify the language that Matt and Magda are using about one another. What effect does using this language have on their perception on each other? On the successful completion of their project?
- Rewrite the high level abstractions that Matt and Magda use with specific, concrete language. How could this change their perceptions? Improve their situation?
- Give an example of an "I" language statement from each of the three persons involved that could improve the situation.
- Gender and culture may influence the way language is used. Identify differences mentioned in your text and describe how those differences might apply to this situation.