InductionSeptember 2010

Theoretical approaches to group work

Discuss the importance of group work at PG level

Gain an understanding of group processes

Identify common problems within groups

Group Definition: “A group exists when two or more people define themselves as members of it and when its existence is recognised by at least one other Brown R. 1988Group analysis:

Activities: physical or mental tasks undertaken by the group members

Interactions: what and how do they communicate

Sentiments: day to day emotions, feelings and attitudes

Norms: informal rules.

3 external factors: Physical, technological and cultural.

Groups specially formed for a purpose

Consciously planned

Time limited

Defined membership – open / closed

Defined size

Assessment

Support

Personal development

Social Development

Cognitive understanding

Social exchange

Alleviating isolation

Problem solvingBrown 1984Preston-Shoot 1995

Vary in character and type

Long or short term

Open or closed

Involves leadership

Usually between 3-15 people

Designing teams:

1. Pre -work:management to identify tasks and objectivesdecisions made about level of authority.

2 Creating Performance Conditionsmanagement ensures the necessary resources are available

3 Forming & Building a teamforming boundaries (clarifying group membership)commitment to task ( different expectations)clarifying expected behaviours (which team members responsible for which task)

4. Providing on- going help:help with group problems to achieve a high level of functioning (replacement of non -contributing members, replenishing non human resources) Hackman (1987)

Team Development: (B. Tuckman 1965)

Forming: Testing, polite, impersonal, guarded, watchful.

Storming: Infighting people, managing conflicts,opting out, difficulties, losing team members, demotivation, feeling stuck.

Norming: Doing, getting organised, developing skills, establishing systems/procedures, giving feedback, task oriented, confronting issues, competence assessment

Performing: Identity, closeness, maturity, resourceful, flexible, open,effective, supportive, sharing, tolerant.

Much social and work life is experienced through groups

Mutual support

Promote social and learning interaction

Every member is a potential helper

Economical

Problems with confidentiality

Resource issues

Group dynamics

Not beneficial for all people

Task Oriented

Maintenance Oriented

Self Oriented

Role modelling Explanation Reflecting Clarifying Confronting and giving feedback Summarising Observation and listening Promoting discussion Addressing task, maintenance of behaviours and

progress

Scapegoat

Silence

Dominant members

The clown / joker

Sub-groups

Dependency

Conflict

Social Loafing

Planned non-intervention

Indirect responses

Direct implicit responses

Direct explicit responses

Contact outside of group

How would you deal with group members?

Tutor’s responsibilities when planning group work

Your responsibilities as a student

Your responsibilities as a group member