PSYC3010Applied Group Dynamics

Natasha Malcolmnatasha.malcolm@uwimona.edu.jm

PSYC3010 Applied Group Dynamics

Course Outline

Quote

“Whether a group is a family, a street gang, a work group, an ethnic minority or a network of friends, group membership and influence are the most powerful forces shaping our feelings, judgments, and behaviours” (Baron, Kerr, Miller, 1992)

Course Introduction

Groups serve a number of important human purposes and Social Psychology has made the study of groups a central feature of its endeavours. In Applied Group Dynamics, we draw on a social psychological knowledge base to look at groups in terms of theory, research and practice.

This course in Applied Group Dynamics is specifically designed for students interested in areas such as human resource management, human resource development, industrial/organisational psychology, labour relations and negotiations, counselling and group facilitation.

Course Objective

The aim of the course is to provide a foundation in group dynamics and to introduce students to theory, research and methods and the practice of group analysis. The course also offers the students experiential opportunities in group interactions and processes.

 

Learning Objectives

At the end the course, students should be able to do the following:1. Explain fully the nature and purpose of

groups and the processes associated with their development

2. Identify and characterize various types of groups

3. Critically assess the nature of individual membership in groups and the impact of group process upon individuals

Learning Objectives4. Identify major research findings; concepts/

principles/ theories of groups and show how they are/ can be applied in practical group situations

5. Identify and provide practical examples of group performance enhancement skills.

6. Demonstrate effective group behaviour skills such as self-monitoring, communication and feedback as means of effecting personal behaviour change within the context of groups.

7. Assess their behaviours in groups and the influences of these behaviours on both self and the group.

Methodology Lectures - These will involve PowerPoint

presentations and general class discussions. There will be one lecture each week for two hours

Tutorials – Your tutorials will be 2-hour workshop-type sessions where emphasis will be placed upon the use of experiential and interactive methods. Each student is expected to register and attend one tutorial session each week. Please note that these sessions are compulsory.

Course Assessment

Student learning will be assessed by a combination of coursework assignments and the end-of-course examination.

Coursework AssignmentThis is worth 60% of the final grade and includes the following: Individual Assignment 10% Group Assignment # 1 35% Group Assignment # 2 15% End of Course Examination The end of course examination is worth 40% of the final grade.

Course TopicsIntroduction  What is Applied Group Dynamics? Defining and Assessing Groups  Definitions of groups / Some basic elements of a group Group Evolution

Group Structure and Processes  Membership Communication / The individual & the group Norms in Groups Group Tasks and Goals Leadership Decision Making and Problem Solving Conflict Management & Resolution

Teams vs Groups 

Required Reading

Napier, R. and Gershenfeld, N., 2004, Groups: Theory and Experience, 7th ed. Haughton & Mifflin

Recommended:

Johnson, D. and Johnson, F.; 2012, Joining Together: Group Theory & Group Skills, Allyn & Bacon (11th ed.)

See extensive reading list on Course Outline

Coursework Instructions

Coursework # 1

GROUP PROJECT# 1: 35% Due date: (Oral Presentations)– Written Submission Students are asked to form groups of 7-9 members and each group is required to carry out the following tasks:

Coursework # 1 – 35% Instructions

1. Create/establish a formal/informal group (eg. club, society, organisation, etc),

with a particular goal/focus or interest.

The following are the expected output of this section: Name/Purpose/Type of group (Typology of groups)

Stated norms Logo, Motto and/or Mission Statement

(depending on the type of group)

2. Identify and develop a project relevant to your established group and implement it, or a section of it!

The following are the expected outputs of this section:

Name and description of project Stated objectives of project (objectives should be

SMART) Assessment of group performance in relation to

objectives set

Coursework # 1 – Instructions

Coursework # 1 – Instructions

3. Carry out continuous evaluation of your group processes as you work to complete the assignment. The evaluations must report on factors such as: Membership Communication Group Goals Conflict Leadership & Power Norms Group Evolution and Development Group Decision Making

Coursework # 1 – Instructions

4. Conduct a 15 minutes presentation at the end of the assignment. This presentation should entail:

A brief background of your working group A description of the group/club/institution you have created. This

should include:▪ Name of group▪ Purpose of group▪ Stated norms▪ Motto and/or Mission Statement▪ Logo

A summary of how you identified, developed and implemented your project. (DEMONSTRATION ARE ALLOWED IF NECESSARY AND IF TIME PERMITS)

Assessment of group’s performance A summary of your group processes

Coursework # 1 – Grading Scheme

 CATEGORIES

MAXIMUM GRADE

ALLOWED

GRADE GIVEN TO STUDENT

Group Oral Presentation (See details below) 

10  

 WRITTEN REPORT (Analysis)

   

Introduction 

3  

Assessment of Group Processes & Group Productivity  

13 

 

Conclusion 

4  

Peer Assessment 

5  

Total 35  

NB – See further details on Coursework Instruction Handout

Coursework # 2 (15%)

InstructionSelect one of the areas studied (See Course Outline Topic Areas) and prepare and deliver a 15 minutes presentation to your peers in your respective tutorials.

In your presentation, you are expected to establish a link between your coursework group issues/experiences and the topic you have selected (provide details & examples etc)

Coursework # 2 (15%)

The format of your presentation is entirely your choice, but it should be interactive and include group activities and/or video clips etc.

Presentation Dates – To be assigned in your first tutorial

Coursework # 2 - Assessment

Content Knowledge of the topic area demonstrated in your presentation – accurate, relevant & appropriate breath & depth of information provided

5marks

Application The extent to which your presentation relate the topic area to current issues/experiences in your groups

5marks

Creativity Use of interactive/experiential methods/tools to engage students and/or encourage class participation

3marks

Presentation  

Time Management; Clarity, Organization & Preparation

2marks

TOTAL   15%

Group Project # 2 – 15%

Individual Assignment – 10%Due Date –

Personal Course Reflections Write about your group dynamics learning experience during the period of this course:

In what ways were the experience significant? (provide at least two examples)

What did you learn? (state at least two things) What could you have done differently (state at

least one thing) How will what you learnt help you in the future

(make reference to specific group behaviours)

Individual Assignment – Assessment

Significance of Experience

In what ways was the experience significant? (provide at least two examples – eg. you may refer to course content, lectures, tutorial experience, group experience, class interaction, etc etc 

3marks

Learning What did you learn? (state at least two things) – I figure these should/would relate to the significant experiences above. 

3marks

Opportunities/ Goals for behaviour change

What could you have done differently/What will you do differently in a future group work experience? (state at least one thing) 

2marks

How will what you learnt help you in the future (make reference to specific group behaviours) 

2marks

  TOTAL 10marks

Write about your group dynamics learning experience during the period of this course

Team Responsibility MatrixThis should be completed for both group assignments

NB – Five (5) Marks will be deducted if this s not submitted

          Team Members

  Major Tasks & Maintenance Responsibilities

ResourcesNeeded(optional)

Due Date

Date Done

Mary John Mia Nick Rob

1 Research/Gather Info                2 Scribe                3 Team Meeting Facilitator                4 *Task Completion focus

(general)               

5 *Team Maintenance Focus (general)

               

                                                         

EXAMPLE of a Team/Group Responsibility Matrix

Some Important Criteria for Assigning Responsibilities Knowledge/Skills Experience Interest Availability

Responsibility KeyP = Primary S = SecondaryC = Communication LoopNR = No Responsibility

Have a great semester everyone!