Interpersonal Communication: Context and Connection

Reviewed by Richard Groner, Instructor of Communication and Theatre, DePauw University on 12/11/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text covers all necessary topics in an introduction course of interpersonal communication. The index and glossary are present and I found the glossary to be very complete and effective. The chapters do a great job of covering topics while including different perceptions and view points. It helps students gain a rounded view of each concept.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not find any errors in the chapters. Information is clear and from a neutral perspective.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text does a great job of presenting content in an up-to-date manner without using specifics that link it to a particular time frame. There is discussion around a post-pandemic world but it is covered in a way that won’t be outdated anytime soon. Students should be able to relate to topics being presented with relevant examples from their own timeline.

Clarity rating: 5

The chapters are easy to read and understand with concepts present in relatable ways from a student perspective.

Consistency rating: 5

For a text written by a wide range of authors, the book flows well from chapter to chapter and has a cohesive feel. It does not present as multiple styles/perspectives but as a single approach. It flows well through all chapters.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is set up very well into chapters, sections and subsections and could easily be reorganized and presented in whatever order desired. It is one of the aspects that I like best about it, it is arranged to be flexible.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each chapter builds on previous chapters/concepts but as indicated elsewhere, it is not locked into the order presented in the table of contents. Material can be presented in an order other than as arranged in the book. I think all instructors would present the front end chapters (individual concepts) first and then cover the back chapters (bringing it all together) after.

Interface rating: 5

From a digital presentation perspective, this text presents well in all digital formats. I looked at it on a computer, an iPad and an iPhone and it looked fine in all formats. The sidebars, charts and other features fit in perfectly.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I found no grammar or spelling errors in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text does a great job of inclusivity. It presents, acknowledges and refers to various cultural views in the writing as well as the images. There appears to be a strong influence of presenting and projecting different perceptions/perspectives which includes examples, images and writing. Pronoun usage is current and different cultures and co-cultures are shown and discussed.

This is now the text I use in my Interpersonal Communication classes. Students find it relatable and easy to read. That in turn helps them to learn and understand the concepts. It has everything that textbooks available for purchase contain but without the cost which also helps students significantly. I also really like the multiple author approach and use a similar type OER text in my Public Speaking course.

Reviewed by Karen Pleasant, Humanities Instructor, Rogue Community College on 1/18/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook covers all of the topics inherent in a well-conducted interpersonal communication class. Topics over 12 chapters range from the basics to verbal and nonverbal communication, listening and emotions, communication climate & conflicts, building and maintaining relationships, the dark side of communication, and ends with interpersonal communication in the workplace.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The 15 communication faculty members who worked on the book did a great job covering topics accurately and in an up-to-date fashion.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text is written in a very timely manner and one that student's can readily relate to for many years to come. It discusses the use of gender pronouns, idioms, love languages, and other aspects of communication that are relevant to current students. The authors also acknowledge the pandemic and virtual environment and how they have impacted communication.

Clarity rating: 5

All terms are defined, as they are introduced, in understandable ways and with examples that further clarity. A glossary is also available.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook is well organized and flows easily from one chapter to the next. It builds on concepts as students progress through the book.

Modularity rating: 5

The chapters and sections within the chapters are modular in nature and could be easily modified or rearranged.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book flows well from basic communication concepts to more refined topics. I like the way each chapter starts with learning objectives, includes discussion questions and journal prompts. reflection opportunities and activities, and ends with a chapter summary. The use of breakout boxes adds to the learning connections as well.

Interface rating: 5

The images and tables used within the textbook are easy to understand and reinforce the concepts being taught. The textbook is easy to navigate and is readily divided by chapters and sections that make it easy to find the desired materials.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were noticed.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The authors did an excellent job scattering cultural information throughout the book. It is apparent that they focused on using principles of universal design and were guided by equity, diversity, and inclusion principles as well. This is reflected in the content as well as in the chosen images and charts. I prefer cultural information to be discussed throughout the book as is done here versus my current text where it is presented mainly in one chapter.

The textbook is well-done and covers all of the material presented in the current purchasable textbook that I use for my Interpersonal Communication class. I have found the OER textbook I've been searching for and will work on switching to this textbook. I think students will relate well to the book and enjoy reading it. You can tell that the co-authors focused on the acronym LOVE: lifelong learning, open education, virtual learning, and equity.