Group Work Skills-Introduction (1-3 days)
Groups have a tendency to produce predictable dynamics and these can be
very powerful indeed. Skilfully facilitated groups can produce positive
outcomes and conversely, poor facilitation can prove to be extremely
destructive.
This introductory skills-based course aims to teach the essential elements of
good group work practice and facilitation to group leaders. This includes
looking at some of the essential theories of group work practice as well as
the implementation of skills. The course aims to increase confidence and
competence in the group leader as well as increase the effectiveness of
facilitators within an organisational framework and safe boundaries.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course participants should understand:
The history of group work (to include research findings)
Why work with a group rather than one to one with individuals:
-Positives
-Negatives
The different types of group
Specialist groups
How these different groups function
How to create and prepare for a group:
-Policy
-Selecting members
-The environment etc
The Group Contract
The essential tasks of the group leader
The roles and responsibilities that underpin effective facilitation
The facilitation skills required
The difference between single leadership and co-working
Therapeutic factors of the group
Roles played in groups
Working within safe boundaries:
-Leader disclosure
-Confidentiality
-Conflict of roe etc
The potential fallout if the group is not held safely
How groups function:
-The Life Cycle of a Group
-Group Processes
The formative stages and development of the group
How to appropriately end a group
The need for:
-Ongoing evaluation
-Debriefing
-Supervision
The importance of recording:
-What
-How
-Access
Dealing with difficult group members
Supervision for Group Leaders
Training methods:
Tutor presentations
OHP/PowerPoint
Chalk & Talk
Modelling
Role Play
Feedback
Practice
Group discussion
Questions and answer sessions
CP130/5.9
