Induction September 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 Group 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 solving Brown 1984 Preston-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 objectives decisions made about level of authority. 2 Creating Performance Conditions management ensures the necessary resources are available 3 Forming & Building a team forming 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