Building Positive Communication Pedagogy: Positive Experiential Learning in Human Relating

Author:

• Thomas J. Socha (Old Dominion Univ)

Abstract:

Following the lead of positive psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) and complementing the dark side of interpersonal communication (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1998, 2004, 2007), this paper seeks to continue to expand the awareness of communication researchers and educators about positive communication--communication that facilitates positive subjective states, enhances development of positive character traits, and creates and sustains empowering relationships, groups, and organizations (Seligman, 2002; Author citations). After brief overviews of positive psychology and its pedagogy, the paper describes four experiential learning assignments--Positive Communication Experiences--in a new communication course--Positive Communication in Human Relating. The paper then offers suggestions for communication educators about incorporating positive communication experiential lessons into communication courses and communication curricula.