Study Group Workshop Derrick Doige, M.Ed, CCC Okanagan College, BC. Canada

Overview What do you want from this workshop? Working in Groups Different types of groups Stages of group development Exercise Review of key points Evaluation

Working in Groups Whether you like it or not, group work is inevitable in life! Conflict is inevitable! Different types of groups Stages of Group Development Forming Storming Norming Performing Mourning/Adjourning

Stages of Group Development

Exercise Break up into three groups 1. What are some of the advantages of forming study groups. How do study groups benefit students? 2. What are some of the disadvantages of study groups. Why do students dislike using groups? 3. What are some strategies/tips to help make study groups more effective?

Five Secrets of Effective Comm. (EAR) David Burns The Disarming Technique. Find some truth in what the other person is saying, even if it seems totally unreasonable or unfair. Empathy. Put your self in the other person’s shoes and try to see the world through his or her eyes. Thought Empathy – Paraphrase the other person’s words. Feeling Empathy – acknowledge how the other person is probably feeling based on what she or he said.

Five Secrets (cont.) David Burns Inquiry. Ask gentle probing questions to learn more about what the other person is thinking and feeling. “I Feel Statements”. Express your own ideas and feelings in a direct, tactful manner. Use “I feel” statements such as “I feel upset” rather than “you” statements such as “You’re wrong” or “You’re making me furious”. Stroking. Convey an attitude of respect, even when you feel frustrated or angry with the other person. Find something genuinely positive to say to the other person even in the heat of battle

Don’t Assume to assume makes an ASS out of U and ME - clarity is key.

Key Points to Remember “Students learn best when they are actively involved in the process. Researchers report that, regardless of the subject matter, students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats”. Barbara Gross Davis – Tools for Teaching.

Key Points (cont.) Anticipate conflict as a natural occurrence. Accept that people are different. Not everyone thinks, feel, or does exactly as you do. People have different strengths. I’d prefer to think “what is this person’s strengths and how can they contribute to our group” rather than this person is an imbecile and has absolutely nothing to contribute. The method of delivery is often much more important than what is actually said.

Key Points (cont.) Establish Study group goals early on. Schedule consistent regular meetings Set an agenda for each session. Rotate responsibilities in the group. Limit the size to 4 or 5 members. Evaluate the group each session. Reward yourself and the group for a job well done!

Evaluation On an index card write one thing that you learned in this workshop that was valuable to you. On back of the card, write one thing that would have made this workshop better for you.