SACD H1022: Group

Dynamics and Development

Short Title: Group Dynamics and Development APPROVED

Full Title: Group Dynamics and Development

Module Code: SACD H1022

ECTS credits: 5

NFQ Level: 6

Module Delivered in 2 programme(s)

Module Contributor: David Cooke

Module Description:
The main aim of this module is to equip the student with knowledge regarding groups and teams in a
workplace and community context. The module will enable the student to understand theories regarding
group processes and how these processes are affected by the environmental context. The student will be
introduced to various models of group development and gain an understanding of different group stages.
The module will enable the student to identify the various roles which participants perform in groups and the
knowledge to identify and respond to group conflict. This module will challenge the student to appreciate the
significant potential of tutorials practice within a community context.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to

1. Define and explain group dynamics.

2. Illustrate the stages of group development.
3. Explain the various roles which group members perform.
4. Discuss different group types within a workplace and community context.
5. Describe the skills required in the group facilitation process.
6. Identify group conflict and apply appropriate resolution strategies.

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 SACD H1022: Group
Dynamics and Development

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content

Definition of groups
Characteristics of groups; Functions of groups; Group structure; Group norms; Group goals; A brief history of the field of group dynamics.

Models of group development

Examples of developmental models: Tuckman and Jensen’s model of small group development; Wheelan’s integrative model; Reid’s life-
span model; Member change in group development; Group development in specialised groups; Group development in a community
context.

Group roles
Role identification and differentiation; Role development;Task and maintenance roles; Integration of roles; The impact of gender and
ethnicity on group roles; Facilitation of roles.

Group structures
Power structures; Leadership structures; Communication frameworks; Group decision-making.

Group facilitation
Role of the facilitator/leader; Competencies of the group facilitator/leader; Group facilitation methods; Empowerment of group members;
Participatory Group Development.

Group facilitation
Role of the facilitator/leader; Competencies of the group facilitator/leader; Group facilitation methods; Empowerment of group members;
Participatory Group Development.

Group conflict
Types of conflict; How conflict arises; Responding to conflict; Role of negotiation in conflict; Conflict resolution methods.

Indicative Assessment Breakdown %

Course Work Assessment % 50.00%

Final Exam Assessment % 50.00%

Course Work Assessment %

Assessment Assessment Description Outcome % of Assessment

Type addressed total Date

Presentation Group types using examples from the community and voluntary None 50.00 n/a
sector

Final Exam Assessment %

Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome % of Assessment Date

addressed total

Formal Exam End-of-Semester Final Examination None 50.00 End-of-Semester

Indicative Reassessment Requirement

Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a
coursework element.

Reassessment Description
Repeat examination is 100% by exam.

ITB reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

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 SACD H1022: Group
Dynamics and Development

Indicative Module Workload & Resources

Indicative Workload: Full Time

Frequency Indicative Average Weekly Learner Workload

Every Week 2.00

Every Week 1.00

Resources

Recommended Book Resources

Benson, J. 2010, Working more creatively with groups (3rd ed.), Routledge New York

Burn, S.H., 2004, Groups: Theory and Practice, Wadsworth, Belmont, CA.

Prendiville, P. 2008, Developing Facilitation Skills: A Handbook For Group Facilitators, 3rd ed. Ed., Combat Poverty
Agency,Available at: http://www.cpa.ie/publications/DevelopingFacilitationSkills_2008.pdf [Accessed 31st January 2013].
Dublin.

Sheehy, M. 2001, Partners Companion to Training for Transformation, Partners Dublin

Sharry, J. 2007, Solution Focused Group Work, 2nd ed. Ed., Sage London

Supplementary Book Resources

Bion, W. R. 1961, Experiences in groups and other papers., Tavistock Publications London

Barnes, B., Ernst, S., and Hyde, K. 1999, An introduction to groupwork., Palgrave Hampshire, U.K.

Brooks, I, 2002, Organisational behaviour, Individual, Group and Organisation, Prentice Hall, London.

Connolly, B. 1998, Group Skills for Community Development, Centre for Adult and Community Education Maynooth, Ireland

Forsyth, D.H. 1998, Group Dynamics, 3rd ed. Ed., Wadsworth London

Hope, A and Timmel, S. 1995, Training for Transformation vols. 1-3, Revised ed. Ed., Mambo Press Zimbabwe

Henderson, P. and Thomas, D. 1992, Skills in Neighbourhood Work, Routledge London

Payne, M. 2000, Teamwork in Multiprofessional Care., Macmillan Basingstoke, U.K.

Manor, O. 2000, Choosing a Groupwork Approach: An Inclusive Stance, Jessica Kingsley London

Robson, M. 2000, Problem solving in groups, Gower London

Recommended Article/Paper Resources

Whiting & Birch Various, Groupwork

http://essential.metapress.com/content/122773

This module does not have any other resources

Module Delivered in

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Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery

BN_HCAYD_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community & Youth Development [240 ECTS credits] 2 Mandatory

BN_HCAYD_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community & Youth Development [180 ECTS credits] 2 Mandatory

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