Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link
below:
CLICK HERE
Background and Authorial Foundations
"Becoming Aware: A Text-Workbook for Human
Relations and Personal Adjustment" by Dr. Velma
Walker and Katherine Barwick-Snell represents one of
the most enduring and influential textbooks in the field
of human relations and personal development
education. Currently in its 14th edition (published by
Kendall Hunt Publishing in 2021), this comprehensive
text-workbook has served as a foundational resource
for students and educators exploring the complexities
of human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and
personal growth for multiple decades.
Dr. Velma Walker brings exceptional credentials and
extensive experience to this collaborative work. As
Professor Emeritus of psychology at Tarrant County
College, Northeast Campus in Hurst, Texas, Dr.
Walker specialized in human relations courses for 39
years at the college level, while also serving as a
counselor and coordinator of student job placement
and career information. Her educational background
includes a bachelor's degree in business
administration/education, a master's degree in
counseling and psychology, and a doctor of education
degree with emphasis in counseling, psychology, and
administration. Dr. Walker is also a certified mediator
for conflict resolution, reflecting her practical
expertise in applying theoretical knowledge to real-
world interpersonal challenges.
Dr. Walker's professional experience extends far
beyond the academic realm, having provided human
relations training seminars in the areas of
communication, motivation, stress management,
time management, and personality lifestyles for
educators and business and professional groups for
over 36 years. Her service as a teacher consultant for
the Educational Division of the Zig Ziglar Corporation
demonstrates her ability to bridge academic theory
with practical application in professional
development contexts. Her recognition as a multiple
year honoree in Who's Who Among America's
Teachers reflects her sustained excellence in
educational practice and her impact on student
learning.
Katherine Barwick-Snell contributes complementary
expertise to this collaboration, bringing contemporary
perspectives and research insights that ensure the
textbook remains current and relevant to today's
students. The collaborative authorship model reflects
the understanding that effective human relations
education requires both deep theoretical knowledge
and practical application experience, combining
academic rigor with real-world applicability.
Innovative Text-Workbook Format and Pedagogical
Approach
"Becoming Aware" distinguishes itself in the field of
human relations education through its innovative text-
workbook format, which integrates theoretical
knowledge with practical application in ways that few
educational resources achieve. This hybrid approach
reflects the authors' understanding that meaningful
learning in human relations requires not just
intellectual comprehension but personal engagement,
self-reflection, and active application of concepts to
one's own life experiences.
The text-workbook assists readers in the process of
becoming more aware of themselves and others
through what the authors describe as "the most
interactive learning process found in any textbook."
This claim is supported by the systematic integration
of experiential learning activities throughout each
chapter, ensuring that students move beyond passive
consumption of information to active engagement
with the material and its personal implications.
The pedagogical philosophy underlying "Becoming
Aware" emphasizes active learning as essential for
meaningful personal growth and development. This
active, open, practical, and personal participation
promotes greater self-awareness, enhanced
relationships with others, and increased control over
choosing directions for one's life. The authors
recognize that human relations cannot be learned
purely through abstract study but must be
experienced, practiced, and reflected upon to achieve
genuine understanding and skill development.
The workbook format encourages students to expand
their self-awareness and explore avenues for personal
growth and development through structured exercises
and reflective activities. This approach acknowledges
that personal development is an ongoing process that
requires intentional effort and systematic self-
examination, rather than something that occurs
automatically through exposure to information.
The text encourages learners to think critically, work
through problems logically, and make connections
with the real world, thereby becoming active learners
of human relations and personal adjustment. This
emphasis on critical thinking skills reflects the
authors' understanding that effective human relations
require more than emotional intelligence or
interpersonal skills—they require the ability to analyze
situations, understand complex dynamics, and make
informed decisions about how to respond to
interpersonal challenges.
Interactive Learning Features and Engagement Strategies
The 14th edition of "Becoming Aware" integrates a
minimum of five activities per chapter, providing
multiple opportunities for readers to pause and reflect
on the personal application of the concepts and
theories presented. This systematic approach to
experiential learning ensures that theoretical
knowledge is consistently connected to personal
experience and practical application.
Each chapter includes a Learning Journal that allows
readers to write and assess the personal value or
meaning gained from the concepts presented. This
reflective writing component serves multiple
purposes: it helps students process and internalize
new information, provides a record of personal
insights and growth over time, and develops written
communication skills that are essential for effective
human relations.
The textbook emphasizes critical thinking skills
through the use of specialized features including
"Think about This," "Check This Out," "Consider This,"
and "How To" vignettes that highlight important
concepts and ideas. These varied formats
accommodate different learning styles and
preferences while maintaining engagement through
diversity of presentation methods.
Beginning reflections in each chapter help students
note key ideas and concepts before diving into
detailed content, providing an advance organizer that
enhances comprehension and retention. This pre-
reading preparation helps students approach new
material with greater readiness and awareness of
what they should be learning.
The integration of scholarly resources and numerous
videos reinforces learning through multiple
modalities, acknowledging that contemporary
students benefit from varied forms of content delivery.
The video components provide visual and auditory
reinforcement of key concepts while offering
examples and demonstrations that enhance
understanding.
Recognition of technology's impact on human
interaction has led the authors to integrate new
information on how technology affects each chapter
topic. This contemporary focus ensures that students
understand how digital communication and social
media influence traditional concepts of human
relations and personal adjustment.
The textbook includes over 200 thought-provoking
quotations from well-known sources and 25 short
poems that serve as a comprehensive tool for
"breaking" students out of their old patterns of
thought. These inspirational and reflective elements
provide additional perspectives on key concepts while
encouraging deeper contemplation of important
ideas.
Comprehensive Content Coverage and Theoretical
Integration
"Becoming Aware" provides comprehensive coverage
of human relations and personal adjustment topics,
addressing both foundational concepts and
contemporary issues that affect interpersonal
relationships and personal development. The content
integrates scholarly theories and research with
practical applications, ensuring that students
understand both the theoretical foundations of human
behavior and the practical skills needed for effective
relationships.
The textbook features new coverage of tolerance,
acceptance, and appreciation of differences,
reflecting contemporary emphasis on diversity, equity,
and inclusion in human relations. This coverage helps
students develop cultural competence and the ability
to work effectively with people from diverse
backgrounds and perspectives.
Tips for happiness and well-being are integrated
throughout the content, reflecting positive psychology
research and the growing understanding of factors
that contribute to life satisfaction and mental health.
This focus on positive outcomes provides students
with practical strategies for enhancing their own well-
being while also understanding how to support others'
happiness and success.
The text addresses new and emerging topics such as
learned optimism, strengths-based psychology, the
five stages of listening, and PTSD and coping. This
inclusion of contemporary research and theoretical
developments ensures that students are exposed to
current understanding of human behavior and mental
health.
Extensive interpersonal relations material addresses
the complexities of human interaction, including
communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional
intelligence, and relationship building. This
comprehensive coverage ensures that students
develop both theoretical understanding and practical
skills for managing interpersonal challenges.
The humanistic and personal approach stressed
throughout the textbook emphasizes the healthy and
effective personality and the common struggles one
encounters when developing greater awareness of
self and establishing more meaningful relationships
with others. This positive, growth-oriented perspective
encourages students to view personal development
as an ongoing opportunity rather than as problem-
solving focused on deficits.
Personal Development and Self-Awareness Focus
A central strength of "Becoming Aware" lies in its
systematic approach to personal development and
self-awareness. The textbook recognizes that effective
human relations begin with understanding oneself—
one's values, motivations, communication patterns,
emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies. This
self-awareness foundation provides the basis for
developing more effective relationships with others.
The text helps students explore, experiment, test, and
apply scholarly theories and ideas within the world of
human relations and personal adjustment. This
experimental approach encourages students to view
their own lives as laboratories for testing and applying
theoretical concepts, making learning immediately
relevant and personally meaningful.
Within each chapter, readers are encouraged to
examine relevant ideas and issues pertaining to their
understanding of self and their relationships with
others. This consistent focus on personal application
ensures that learning extends beyond academic
understanding to genuine personal growth and
development.
The workbook format allows students to document
their learning journey and track their personal growth
over time. This longitudinal perspective helps
students recognize their development and provides
motivation for continued learning and growth.
The text addresses common struggles encountered
when developing greater awareness of self,
normalizing the challenges of personal growth while
providing strategies and support for working through
difficulties. This realistic approach acknowledges that
personal development involves both successes and
setbacks while maintaining an optimistic perspective
on the possibility of positive change.
The emphasis on choosing directions for one's life
reflects the text's commitment to personal
empowerment and responsibility. Students learn that
while they cannot control all circumstances they
encounter, they can control their responses to those
circumstances and make intentional choices about
their personal development and relationships.
Integration of Current Research and Evidence-Based
Practices
The current edition of "Becoming Aware" includes the
most current research, references, and quotations
available in the search for self-exploration, ensuring
that students have access to contemporary
understanding of human behavior and relationships.
This commitment to currency reflects the authors'
recognition that the field of human relations continues
to evolve as new research emerges.
The integration of scholarly resources throughout the
text provides students with exposure to empirical
research while maintaining accessibility for
undergraduate learners. This balance between
academic rigor and practical application ensures that
students develop both theoretical understanding and
practical skills.
Evidence-based practices are highlighted throughout
the textbook, helping students understand that
effective human relations strategies are supported by
research rather than based solely on common sense
or traditional wisdom. This emphasis on scientific
foundation enhances students' confidence in applying
learned concepts and strategies.
The text addresses contemporary issues and
challenges that affect human relations, including
technology's impact on communication, changing
family structures, workplace diversity, and global
interconnectedness. This contemporary focus
ensures that students are prepared for the realities of
modern interpersonal relationships.
Research on positive psychology, resilience, and well-
being is integrated throughout the content, providing
students with evidence-based strategies for
enhancing their own mental health and supporting
others' well-being. This positive focus complements
traditional approaches that emphasized problem-
solving and deficit correction.
The inclusion of current statistics, case studies, and
examples helps students understand how theoretical
concepts apply to real-world situations and
contemporary challenges. This connection between
theory and current events enhances relevance and
engagement while developing critical thinking skills.
Communication Skills and Interpersonal Effectiveness
"Becoming Aware" provides comprehensive coverage
of communication skills and interpersonal
effectiveness, recognizing that communication
competence is fundamental to successful
relationships in all areas of life. The textbook
addresses both verbal and nonverbal communication,
helping students understand the complexity of human
communication processes.
The five stages of listening receive detailed attention,
providing students with specific skills for improving
their listening effectiveness. This focus on listening as
an active skill rather than a passive activity helps
students understand how effective listening
contributes to relationship building and conflict
prevention.
Conflict resolution skills are addressed
systematically, providing students with practical
strategies for managing disagreements and working
through interpersonal challenges constructively. Dr.
Walker's expertise as a certified mediator for conflict
resolution informs this content, ensuring that
students learn evidence-based approaches to conflict
management.
The textbook addresses communication in various
contexts, including family relationships, friendships,
romantic relationships, workplace interactions, and
community involvement. This comprehensive
coverage helps students understand how
communication skills transfer across different
relationship contexts while also recognizing the
unique demands of different types of relationships.
Emotional intelligence concepts are integrated
throughout the communication content, helping
students understand how emotions affect
communication effectiveness and relationship
quality. Students learn strategies for managing their
own emotions and responding appropriately to others'
emotional expressions.
Cultural considerations in communication receive
attention, helping students understand how cultural
background affects communication styles and
relationship expectations. This multicultural
perspective prepares students for effective interaction
in diverse environments.
Technology Integration and Contemporary Challenges
The recognition that technology has significantly
impacted the way people interact has led the authors
to integrate new information on how technology
affects each chapter topic. This comprehensive
approach to technology's role in human relations
reflects the reality that contemporary relationships
are significantly influenced by digital communication
platforms and social media.
The textbook addresses both opportunities and
challenges presented by technology in human
relationships. Students learn about the benefits of
digital communication, including increased
connectivity and access to diverse perspectives, while
also understanding potential drawbacks such as
reduced face-to-face interaction and the challenges
of interpreting communication without nonverbal
cues.
Social media's impact on self-esteem, identity
development, and relationship formation receives
attention, helping students understand how online
interactions affect their personal development and
relationship skills. This coverage includes strategies
for maintaining healthy boundaries and authentic
relationships in digital environments.
The text addresses cyberbullying, online conflict, and
digital citizenship as contemporary challenges that
require new skills and awareness. Students learn
strategies for managing online interactions
respectfully and constructively while protecting their
own well-being.
Digital communication skills are addressed as distinct
from but related to face-to-face communication skills.
Students learn about the unique demands of written
digital communication and the importance of
developing competence in multiple communication
modalities.
The integration of technology content throughout the
textbook, rather than in a separate chapter, reflects
the understanding that technology affects all aspects
of human relations rather than representing a distinct
category of interaction.
Practical Application and Real-World Relevance
"Becoming Aware" distinguishes itself through its
consistent emphasis on practical application and
real-world relevance. The text encourages students to
make connections with the real world, ensuring that
learning extends beyond the classroom to influence
students' daily lives and relationships.
The workbook format provides numerous
opportunities for students to apply concepts to their
own experiences and relationships, making learning
immediately relevant and personally meaningful. This
application-focused approach helps students develop
skills they can use throughout their lives rather than
simply acquiring academic knowledge.
Case studies and examples throughout the text
illustrate how theoretical concepts apply to real
situations, helping students understand the practical
value of their learning. These examples represent
diverse contexts and populations, ensuring that all
students can find relevant applications.
The text addresses common life challenges and
transitions that college students and young adults
face, including developing independence, establishing
intimate relationships, making career decisions, and
managing stress. This relevance to students' current
life circumstances enhances engagement and
motivation.
Practical exercises and activities provide students
with opportunities to practice new skills in low-risk
environments before applying them in more
challenging real-world situations. This scaffolded
approach to skill development builds confidence and
competence gradually.
The emphasis on personal responsibility and
empowerment helps students understand that they
have the ability to influence their relationships and
personal development through intentional choices
and actions. This perspective promotes active
engagement with learning rather than passive
consumption of information.
Assessment and Learning Evaluation
The text-workbook format provides multiple
opportunities for assessment and learning evaluation,
allowing both students and instructors to monitor
progress and identify areas for continued
development. The Learning Journal component in
each chapter serves as an ongoing assessment tool
that helps students track their understanding and
personal growth.
The integration of reflection activities throughout each
chapter provides formative assessment opportunities
that help students gauge their comprehension and
application of concepts before moving to new
material. This ongoing evaluation supports mastery
learning and helps prevent students from falling
behind.
The personal nature of many activities allows for
individualized assessment that recognizes students'
unique starting points and growth trajectories. This
personalized approach acknowledges that personal
development occurs at different rates and in different
ways for different individuals.
The combination of knowledge-based and
application-based assessment reflects the text's dual
emphasis on theoretical understanding and practical
skill development. Students are evaluated both on
their comprehension of concepts and their ability to
apply those concepts to personal and interpersonal
situations.
Self-assessment opportunities are integrated
throughout the textbook, helping students develop
metacognitive awareness and take responsibility for
their own learning. This self-evaluation skill transfers
to lifelong learning and personal development beyond
the classroom.
The workbook format allows instructors to provide
personalized feedback on students' reflections and
applications, supporting individualized learning and
development while building mentor-student
relationships.
Professional and Personal Development Applications
"Becoming Aware" serves not only as an academic
textbook but also as a professional and personal
development resource that students can continue to
use throughout their careers and personal lives. The
skills and insights developed through engagement
with this text have applications across multiple life
domains.
The human relations skills emphasized in the textbook
transfer directly to workplace effectiveness, including
teamwork, leadership, customer service, and
professional communication. Students develop
competencies that enhance their career prospects
and workplace success.
The self-awareness and emotional intelligence
components prepare students for leadership roles by
helping them understand their own motivations,
strengths, and areas for development. This self-
knowledge provides the foundation for authentic and
effective leadership.
The conflict resolution and communication skills
addressed in the text have applications in family
relationships, community involvement, and civic
participation. Students develop competencies that
contribute to their effectiveness as family members,
friends, and community members.
The stress management and coping strategies
covered in the textbook provide students with tools for
maintaining mental health and well-being throughout
their lives. These skills become increasingly important
as students face the challenges of adult
responsibilities and life transitions.
The emphasis on continuous learning and personal
growth encourages students to view personal
development as a lifelong process rather than
something that ends with formal education. This
perspective promotes resilience and adaptability in
the face of changing circumstances.
Instructor Support and Educational Resources
The textbook provides comprehensive support for
instructors through engaging PowerPoint
presentations that enhance discussion and
encourage critical thinking skills. These resources are
designed to facilitate active learning and classroom
engagement while supporting instructors' educational
goals.
The interactive nature of the textbook content
provides numerous opportunities for classroom
discussion and group activities, supporting
collaborative learning approaches that enhance
student engagement and learning outcomes.
The integration of current research and contemporary
examples provides instructors with up-to-date
material for lectures and discussions, ensuring that
classroom content remains relevant and engaging for
students.
The workbook format supports flexible instructional
approaches, allowing instructors to emphasize
different aspects of the content based on their
students' needs and course objectives. This
adaptability makes the textbook suitable for various
course formats and student populations.
The assessment opportunities integrated throughout
the textbook provide instructors with multiple options
for evaluating student learning and providing
feedback, supporting diverse assessment strategies
and grading approaches.
The combination of theoretical content and practical
application provides instructors with resources for
addressing different learning objectives, from
knowledge acquisition to skill development to
personal growth.
Conclusions and Educational Impact
"Becoming Aware: A Text-Workbook for Human
Relations and Personal Adjustment" represents a
significant contribution to human relations education,
providing a comprehensive, engaging, and practical
resource for students exploring personal development
and interpersonal effectiveness. The textbook's
longevity and continued evolution through 14 editions
demonstrate its sustained relevance and value in the
field of human relations education.
The innovative text-workbook format successfully
integrates theoretical knowledge with practical
application, creating a learning experience that is both
intellectually rigorous and personally meaningful. This
approach ensures that students develop not only
academic understanding but also practical skills and
personal insights that serve them throughout their
lives.
Dr. Velma Walker's extensive experience in human
relations education and professional training,
combined with Katherine Barwick-Snell's
contemporary perspectives, creates a textbook that
bridges traditional wisdom with current research and
practice. This collaboration ensures that students
receive both time-tested insights and cutting-edge
understanding of human behavior and relationships.
The textbook's emphasis on active learning, critical
thinking, and personal application reflects best
practices in adult education and experiential learning.
Students engage with material in ways that promote
deep learning and lasting change rather than
superficial knowledge acquisition.
The comprehensive coverage of human relations
topics, from self-awareness and communication skills
to conflict resolution and cultural competence,
provides students with a solid foundation for personal
and professional success. The skills and insights
developed through engagement with this textbook
have applications across all areas of life.
The commitment to currency and relevance,
demonstrated through regular updates and integration
of contemporary research and issues, ensures that
students receive education that prepares them for the
realities of modern interpersonal relationships and
workplace dynamics.
"Becoming Aware" stands as an exemplary
educational resource that successfully combines
academic rigor with practical applicability, theoretical
depth with personal relevance, and individual
development with interpersonal effectiveness. It
continues to serve as an essential tool for educators
and students committed to developing the human
relations skills that are fundamental to success and
satisfaction in both personal and professional life.
Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link
below:
CLICK HERE
