Verified Document

Expectations And Significance Of Group Facilitation Learning Essay

Expectations and Significance of Group Facilitation Learning Outcomes Humans are notoriously difficult subjects to analyze, understand, motivate and lead, and while some group counselors appear to possess a natural ability to facilitate effective group interactions, others struggle to cope with the exigencies of a group setting. Despite the challenges that are involved, the importance of developing the requisite skills needed for effective group facilitation means that counselors must draw on the entire range of group dynamic theories and proven strategies to achieve this goal. In order to gain further insights into these areas, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature to identify relevant expectations from learning about group dynamic theories and strategies, followed by a discussed concerning various aspects of applying these concepts in real-world settings. Finally, a summary of the research and important findings are presented in the paper's conclusion.

Review and Discussion

Expectations concerning application of learning from a group counselor course

When people commit the time and resources needed to become part of a group, they have a reasonable expectation that their investment will not be wasted and their personal goals for membership will be achieved. Absent timely and effective leadership in group settings, not only can a great deal of time be wasted in chit-chatting, flirting and gossiping, individual interactions can devolve into a more threatening situation where violent confrontation can result (Clark, 2002). The research shows that group counselors must possess a broad range of skills based on evidence-based practices, human behavioral and group dynamic theories, but they must also possess the ability to maintain order in situations where emotions can run high and the debates can become heated. Therefore, completion of a group counselor course represents the foundation of the requisite...

In this regard, group counselors are generally expected to provide group members with an explanation of the group's purpose; an understanding of what to expect from group counseling; the qualifications of the group facilitator(s); and the identification of their expectations as group members (Zinck & Littrell, 2000).
Significance of leaders developing and maintaining awareness of various personal boundaries

Although a number of positive outcomes are possible using effective group facilitation processes, it is possible for some group members to experience discomfort, anxiety and other negative reactions to group dynamics (Clark, 2002). Therefore, group counselors must maintain a keen awareness of the individual personal boundaries including highlighting confidentiality issues from the outset. For instance, Zinck and Littrell emphasize the importance of discussing the "limitations of confidentiality" and to ensure that "each potential participant makes a verbal contract to preserve confidentiality" (2000, p. 51). Group facilitators should screen potential group members to ensure they are amenable to these conditions prior to beginning group counseling (Zinck & Littrell, 2000).

Summary of personal goals as a group worker

1. Become a more effective group facilitator;

2. Expand personal horizons through empirical observations and experiential learning;

3. Achieve positions of additional authority and responsibility; and,

4. Secure membership in professional organizations and advanced credentials for group counseling.

Two items that are different as a result of taking this course

Achieving numbers two and four above will facilitate the achievement of numbers one and three and therefore should take priority, issues that also affect group leaders' ability…

Sources used in this document:
References

Clark, A.J. (2002). Scapegoating: Dynamics and interventions in group counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80(3), 271-272.

Furr, S.R. & Barrett, B. (2000). Teaching group counseling skills: Problems and solutions.

Counselor Education and Supervision, 40(2), 94.

Zinck, K. & Littrell, J.M. (2000). Action research shows group counseling effective with at-risk adolescent girls. Professional School Counseling, 4(1), 50-52.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Counseling Groups Give Members the
Words: 9035 Length: 30 Document Type: Research Paper

" This involves coming up with a list of the consequences of reacting to an event (Budman, 1992). This means that they describe what emotions the activating event made them feel. The principles facilitate being rational because they shift focus from emotions to logic. The group gets an opportunity to look at the problems they face from a rational perspective, which creates room for possibilities. Thinking rationally helps in creating many

Is There a Relationship Between Workplace Learning and Managers Performance...
Words: 4106 Length: 10 Document Type: Term Paper

WORKPLACE LEARNING AND MANAGER'S PERFORMANCE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Relationship between Workplace Learning and Managers' Performance in the Hospitality Industry Relationship between Workplace Learning and Managers' Performance in the Hospitality Industry Manager's Role as a Leader Workplace Learning Why is Workplace Learning Important The 'ideal' Workplace Learning Situation Methods of Workplace Learning Hospitality Industry Supports and Values Training and Learning Management Skills in Workplace Learning Manager's Role in the Hospitality Industry Optimize Communication between Managers and Employees Effective Managers in Hospitality

Learning Styles As Identified by Kolb That Promote Academic Success...
Words: 7960 Length: 30 Document Type: Term Paper

growing recognition of the changing educational needs of college students, particularly those attending community colleges. In response to this awareness, reform efforts have been implemented in order to meet the needs of students. As reform efforts have been considered, increasing attention has been directed toward assessing the influence of learning styles on academic performance. The term 'learning styles' has been used to refer to the ways in which individuals

Static Learning in the 21st
Words: 12488 Length: 45 Document Type: Research Proposal

Millions of dollars are spent on test-prep manuals, books, computer programs and worksheets (Gluckman, 2002). Static/captive learning can help teachers around the nation prepare their students for standardized testing. Significance of the Study to Leadership A principal is the leader of the campus. The challenge for the principal is to know his or her district's mandated curriculum and make sure teachers are able to deliver it (Shipman & Murphy, 2001). As

Online Education Online Learning Vs.
Words: 9159 Length: 28 Document Type: Term Paper

Persistence (also called retention) is defined as remaining enrolled in the institution, presumably until degree attainment or completion. Online courses can help students achieve this, because they provide options for learning that were previously not available to them (Drennan, Kennedy, & Pisarski, 2005). Satisfying and rewarding interactions with the formal and informal academic and social systems of the institution lead to greater integration and persistence (Tinto, 1975). However, teachers of

Systematic Review of Effectiveness of Group-Based Antenatal Education...
Words: 18363 Length: 67 Document Type: Dissertation

Antenatal Education Systematic Review Antenatal education programms In pregnant women, how does group antenatal education compare to no antenatal education or individual antenatal education for improving outcomes of childbirth and parenting? In pregnant women, how does group antenatal education compare to no antenatal education or individual antenatal education for improving outcomes of childbirth and parenting? Antenatal education programs are key in improving maternal health all over the world. They have been widely embraced in

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now