Introductory description

The Group Work module enables participants to develop professional practice in the design and delivery of group work. in at least two contexts. The module is designed to develop reflective group work practice focusing on: theories of group work and learning, preparation, facilitation, assessment, and evaluation.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Acknowledging participants’ prior experience and learning in group working
Learning theories
Theories of group dynamics
Incorporating theories into designing / redesigning sessions
Introduction to evaluation of impact
Designing and contracting
Aims and learning outcomes
Measuring impact
Flexibility in delivery to cover approaches to planning, delivery and evaluation appropriate to circumstances
Addressing planning, delivery and evaluation in re-designing sessions
Individual presentations to reflect understanding of all process skills
Reflection, evaluation and action planning
Different approaches – incorporating creativity, technology and impact evaluation
Rationale underpinning groupwork
Addressing the service context
Methods and materials and individual presentations to include a range of methods and materials
Addressing needs of different groups
Problem solving in group work
Links with core modules (institutional and professional issues, theoretical perspectives and values relating to group work)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Systematically identify the main principles and theories underpinning successful group work.
• Comprehensively describe the process skills involved in planning, agreement, delivery, and evaluation of group work; and the place of group work in the guidance process within the organisational context and recognise and respond to the needs of different client groups.
• Creatively select, adapt, design and implement appropriate methods and materials to support the learning outcomes of the session.
• Systematically demonstrate the management, contracting, facilitation, and communication skills needed to run a successful group in at least two contexts.
• Critically evaluate group work sessions, including the relative merits of face to face, online, and blended learning to meet differing needs and circumstances, and make suggestions for enhancement.
• Communicate verbally in the effective delivery of group work; and in clear written form by critiquing group work practice using the current course guides to presentation and referencing.

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module, students should have developed professional skills in the design and delivery of group work.

Transferable skills

By the end of the module, students should be able to communicate verbally in the effective delivery of group work; and in clear written form by critiquing group work practice using the current course guides to presentation and referencing.