SSE 211 - Group Facilitation Techniques

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Application of advanced concepts in group dynamics. Includes skill development and preparation for group facilitation in the community through in-class experiential learning. Also includes community-group case studies, ethical standards, and multicultural issues.

Prerequisite(s): SSE 111  

       Work Education [CSWE] Competencies 4 and 6)

2. Practice knowledge of group dynamics, theories, and techniques and the use of effective oral and

        written communication in facilitating groups.  (CSWE Competencies 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

3. Practice process observation skills and personal reflection to increase self-awareness and the ability to

       assess, analyze, and evaluate group dynamics.   (CSWE Competencies 1, 2, 6 and 9)

4. Illustrate professional demeanor in behavior and communication while engaging diversity and

       difference in groups, including in the resolution of controversy and conflict.  (CSWE Competencies 1, 2 and 6)

5.    Assess the effectiveness of an on-going group in the local community.  (CSWE Competencies 7 and 9)

1. Explain the role of techniques in the facilitation of learning, action, and growth groups.
2. Identify ethical and unethical uses of group techniques.
3. Analyze the dynamics of the different stages of a group.
4. Use techniques for getting acquainted and building trust in groups.
5. Execute techniques for starting and ending group sessions.
6. Apply techniques for dealing with resistance, defensiveness, or difficult behavior in groups.
7. Use techniques for resolving conflicts in group settings.
8. Evaluate member and leader group behaviors.
9. Develop and use techniques for preparing for groups.
10. Analyze group dynamics and identify the techniques used in an on-going community group

1. The Role of Techniques and the Therapeutic Relationship in Groups
   1. The therapeutic relationship between group leader and clients
   2. Choosing techniques
   3. Adapting techniques to the client’s cultural context
2. Techniques for Forming New Groups and Getting Groups Established
   1. Identifying needs and developing proposals for new groups
   2. Recruiting members
   3. Screening members
   4. Selecting members
3. Getting the Most from a Group
   1. Preparing leaders
   2. Preparing members
   3. Preliminary meetings
4. Techniques for the Initial Stage of Groups
   1. Physical arrangements and settings
   2. Techniques for getting acquainted
   3. Addressing fears and resistance
   4. Setting norms
   5. Setting goals
   6. Starting and ending sessions
   7. Techniques for creating trust
5. Ethical Issues in Using Group Techniques
   1. Ethical leadership
   2. Unethical uses of leader power and group techniques
6. Techniques for Member and Leader Self-Evaluation
7. Techniques for the Transition Stage of a Group
   1. Dealing with conflict
   2. Dealing with defensive behaviors
   3. Dealing with difficult behaviors
   4. Exploring common fears
8. Techniques for the Working Stage of a Group
   1. Working with emerging themes
   2. Handling emotions
   3. Working with dreams
   4. Techniques for dealing with projections
   5. Techniques for increasing client self-awareness
9. Techniques for the Final Stage
   1. Termination
   2. Evaluation
   3. Follow-up
10. Using Props in Group Work
11. Case Studies
    1. In-class
    2. Community groups