Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Working with Groups

• Unit Code

  CSV3203

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit deals with the acquisition and development of skills required for effectively working with groups. The unit will examine the process of group development and dynamics of groups. It will identify and develop skills in group facilitation.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded CSV1203, WMS3304

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse different theoretical approaches to the study of groups and group dynamics.
2. Analyse ethical dilemmas in group work.
3. Analyse the nature of common group problems, and be able to identify such problems as they arise in a group and develop appropriate strategies for responding to them.
4. Demonstrate an ability to operate effectively as a participant, facilitator and observer in a range of group settings.
5. Demonstrate skills in functioning appropriately within both formal and informal groups.
6. Facilitate decision making, direction setting and conflict resolution within groups.
7. State the purpose and functioning of a range of different types of group approaches.

Unit Content

1. Identifying and dealing with conflict in groups: conflict resolution and problem solving strategies.
2. Leadership/facilitation of groups: communication, power and decision making issues to be examined and students to become familiar with the basic group facilitation skills.
3. Planning and developing a structured group program; issues of group composition, group goals, structures, roles and processes to be covered as well as issues and techniques of group evaluation.
4. Stages of group development: the life cycle of the group, the skills required to facilitate the group at various stages of development.
5. The application of group work theories to a variety of informal and formal settings.
6. Theoretical models of group dynamics and group work.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, role plays, group exercises and self assessment.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ McDermott, F. (2002). Inside group work: A guide to reflective practice. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
• Wynn, D., & Engleberg, I. (2007). Working in groups: Communication principles and strategies (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Miffin.
• Benson, J. (2009). Working more creatively with groups (3rd ed.). London: Routledge.
• Steinberg, D. (2004). The mutual aid approach to working with groups: Helping people help one another (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Haworth Press.
• Corey, C., Corey, G., & Schneider, M. (2010). Groups: Process and practice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.

^ Mandatory reference

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