skills development study guide

Question 1

What is a group?

Answer 1

A group is two or more individuals who are
connected to each other by social
relationships.

Group processes include norms, roles,
relations, development, need to belong, social
influence, and effects on behavior.

Group dynamics refers to the understanding
of the behavior of people in groups.

An individual with expertise in ‘group process,
such as a trained facilitator can assist a group
in accomplishing its objective by diagnosing
how well the group is functioning as a
problem-solving or decision-making entity and
intervening to alter the group’s operating
behavior

The group leader (or facilitator) will usually have a
strong influence on the group due to his or her role of
shaping the group’s outcomes.

This influence will also be affected by the leader’s
sex
race
relative age
income
appearance
Personality
as well as organizational structures and many other
factors.

Question 2

Tuckman’s stages of a group

Answer 2

Bruce Tuckman (1965) proposed the four-stage model called
Tuckman’s stages of a group. Tuckman’s model states that the ideal
group decision-making process should occur in four stages:

Forming – group cohesion almost non existent, members have not
decided to invest their time and energy

Storming –people begin to identify with a subgroup in which they
have something in common. At first these subgroups may have
something to do with age, race, gender etc..but as issues are
clarified members may seek out those who share their same
opinions or perspectives

Norming – when groups overcome differences in opinion and move
towards a way to work effectively (may not ever get there)

Performing – have clarified the group issues and are working
towards moving the group forward to reach the stated goals.

Question 3

Dimensions of the group process

Answer 3

Patterns of communication and coordination

Patterns of influence

Roles / relationship

Patterns of dominance (e.g. who leads, who
defers)

Balance of task focus vs social focus

Level of group effectiveness

How conflict is handled

Emotional state of the group as a whole

Question 4

Aspects of a group that can influence the process

Answer 4

Size of the group – Large or small groups. The programming that works for large groups might not work for small groups (and vice versa). Be ready to adjust if your group turns out to be larger or smaller than you anticipated

Age and abilities of the group (child, adolescent, young adult, adult, elderly) – When programming for a group, you must take into account the age and abilities of the group. As an example the fine motor skills of children are not fully developed. The physical endurance of the elderly typically is less than most populations.

Personality- Each group has its own personality. Some groups may be more outgoing while others may be shy. Get a feel for your group’s personality and try to program towards them. When people feel comfortable they will be more willing to participate.

Purpose of the group – Have some kind of goal for your group even if the goal is to “have fun”
●Themes – Well organized themes for programs or events can give participants a common interest in getting involved. Creativity is the key to selecting a theme, (make sure to involved others in coming up with ideas)

Question 5

Qualities of a great leader

Answer 5

A sincere desire to work with people
●Value and respect people
●Treat people with dignity and respect
●Be well prepared
●Be group minded
●Enthusiastic
●Humble
●Creative
●Have a sense of responsibility
●Have vision

Question 6

Sequencing

Answer 6

There should be a set order in programming that makes logical sense.
●Which tasks have to be started and/or finished before or after other tasks

Question 7

Ice breakers

Answer 7

Ice breakers should be at the beginning of the programming.
●They are used to foster comfort and familiarity among group members.

Question 8

Safety

Question 9

Leading Your Group

Question 10

In Front of your Group

Question 11

As you Play