Week 1: Introduction to Group Work

Question 1

Define Group Work

Answer 1

Two or more interdependent individuals who aim at meeting socio-emotional needs and/or accomplishing tasks, both for indificual members and for the group as a whole.

Question 2

Six Group Developmental Stages:

Answer 2

1. Planning
2. Beginning
3. Assessement
4. Middle
5. Ending
6. Evaluation

Question 3

Name the three aspects involved in Group Work.

Answer 3

1. Individual group members - what are the goals and needs of each?
2. Group as a whole - how do the members interact and respond to each other?
3. Group’s environment - does it need to be adapted or changed?

Question 4

Formed Groups

vs.

Natural Groups

Answer 4

• Formed groups come together through some outside influence and usually for a particular purpose.
• Natural grouops come together naturally and spontaneously; they are NOT formed for a particular reason.

Question 5

Treatment Groups

vs.

Task Groups

Answer 5

• Treatment groups are formed to meet the individual needs of group members.
• Task groups are formed to complete a task.

Question 6

Types of treatment groups (6)

Answer 6

1. Support
2. Eductional
3. Therapy
4. Socialization
5. Recreational/Skill Building
6. Sensitivity & Encounter Training

Question 7

Support Groups are:

Answer 7

Groups that encourage self-help and mutual aid. The focus is on helping members recognize their own strengths. It is usually a relaxed and informal setting, and it is often led by “lay” people.

Question 8

Educational Groups are:

Answer 8

Groups that teach members specialized skills and knowledge. They often have more of a “classroom” atmosphere, and a professional with expertise in a particular area usually leads.

Question 9

Therapy Groups:

Answer 9

These groups are for individuals with emotional, behavioral and/or personal problems. Counseling is provided by trained, skilled professionas, and there is a high degree of self-disclosure.

Question 10

Socialization Groups:

Answer 10

Members learn social skills and socially accepted behavior patterns These groups generally require a professional leader with strong group skills and knowledge. Members often learn “by doing”; therefore, they are “experiential” in nature.

Question 11

Recreational/Skill Building Groups:

Answer 11

Recreational groups are generally offered by a recreational service agency. They can be leaderless.

Skill Building Groups are generally guided by an advisor, coach or instructor, and they focus on improving skills in an enjoyable manner.

Question 12

Sensitivity & Encounter Training Groups:

Answer 12

The group members relate to each other in a close manner and teh goalis to increase interpersonal awareness. The leader should have training and knowledge to facilitate this type of group.

Question 13

Name the two types of Task Groups:

Answer 13

1. Problem-Solving & Decision Making Groups
2. Focus Groups

Question 14

Define Problem-Solving & Decision Making Groups

Answer 14

Group members convene to solve an identified problem or to make a decision. These often consist of a formal setting.

Question 15

Why can focus groups be formed? (3 reasons)

Answer 15

1. Identify needs & issues
2. Generate proposals that resolve a particular issue
3. Test reactions and/or evaluate alternative approaches

Question 16

What are Focus Groups?

Answer 16

Groups that usually have a moderator that helps members stay focused on a topic. Focus groups usually meet for a limited number of sessions.

Question 17

Define Nominal Groups

Answer 17

A type of focus groups. Its members work in the presence of others; however, they do not verbally interact. Needs are identified on paper.