Course overview
This course will enable students to critically analyse approaches to group work and to develop the leadership and membership skills required for professional practice in social work and human services. Students will engage in practice-based learning to develop their teamwork and group facilitation skills.. They will apply knowledge of leadership theories, roles and skills the varied purposes of group work; the types of groups, group dynamics and the stages of group development. Students will learn how to plan a group, work with diversity, manage conflict and evaluate the effectiveness of a group then apply this knowledge to working in different contexts and with a range of stakeholders. Students will be required to demonstrate self-awareness by critically reflecting on their leadership and membership skills.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate beginning skills in critical analysis of different approaches to and purposes of group work, the typology of groups, group dynamics and the stages of group development
- Demonstrate application of leadership theories, roles and skills
- Demonstrate development of skills in working with diversity, managing conflict, facilitating a group and evaluating effectiveness
- Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to critically reflect on group leadership and group membership skills and competencies