Using Student Task Groups to Teach Group Process and Development |
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Authors: | Marcia B. Cohen |
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Affiliation: | 1. University of New England School of Social Work , Portland, Maine, USA mcohen@une.edu |
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Abstract: | This article discusses an experiential assignment used in a group work course. Student groups meet throughout the semester with the task of developing a major group presentation. The assignment has the dual purpose of increasing student knowledge of diverse group approaches and providing opportunities to experience, identify, and apply group work concepts to their small-group experiences. The article uses excerpts from students' discussions about their group experiences to demonstrate the effectiveness of the assignment. Three primary themes are explored: (1) group development and emerging norms and roles, (2) issues of leadership, and (3) the role of conflict in the groups. |
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Keywords: | group work education experiential learning applying group theory to practice group development norms roles group leadership group conflict teaching group work |
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