Week 3 Discussion 1: Use of Structure
The amount of structure that a leader uses is critical in helping the group move forward at an appropriate pace to the working stage. Too much or too little structure can create problems for the group. A leader who provides too little structure may have a group that remains in the beginning phase too long, while an overly structured leader can also create problems.
Using the group type that you selected in the first discussion in Week 1 (for the 35-year-old man who was having difficulty maintaining employment), give an example of how you would structure the group to facilitate the transition from the beginning stage to the working stage. Discuss how you would address the group, what you would say, how you would monitor group member reaction, and what specific activities you would use.
Support your ideas and suggestions with information from at least one research journal article or other professional resource.
Response Guidelines
Respond to other learners by listing two things about their group structure that could be problematic. Provide suggestions for how the problems could be remedied.
Week 3 Discussion 2: Group Observation Experience
Use your group observation experience, mentioned in Week 1, in answering this discussion question. Both Jacobs and Corey list and describe therapeutic factors that help build cohesion and facilitate therapeutic change in group members. Give examples of how several of these factors were used in the group that you observed. Describe both verbal and non-verbal behaviors that you believe indicated that these factors were helpful or not helpful. If you were the group leader, what suggestions would you give the group to increase the effectiveness of these therapeutic factors? To gain the greatest insight and understanding regarding the group process and your insights of the observed group, it is highly recommended that you select a group with which you have not had previous interaction (with the group as a whole or with group members) and also that your role in the group observation experience is that of a non-participant observer, not a group leader or active group member.
Support your ideas and suggestions with information from at least one research journal article or other professional resource.