An Interpersonal Communication Program for Middle School Students Applying True Colors

This action research study was designed to (a) create an Interpersonal Communication program for middle school students to obtain knowledge and skills about personality and communication, and (b) to assess the program effectiveness. Sixteen Hispanic middle school students transitioning from the 7th grade into the 8th grade participated in the program. The program was taught within a summer language arts class. Students were exposed to 18 lessons that blended True Colors Personality concepts and social skills lessons. Instruments used in the study were the True Colors Character Cards, student focus groups, student journals, parent surveys, field notes, and a behavior questionnaire. These tools were used to identify the personality types, communication skills, interpersonal conflicts, and communication behavior of student participants. These tools were also used to identify knowledge and skills obtained from participation.