Groupwork course experiences

Abstract

Numerous concerns exist in the groupwork and counseling literatures regarding the requirement that students participate in experiential counseling groups as part of their academic coursework. This research examined the use of service learning task groups as an alternate way to address this required component of group counseling coursework to address multiple relationship concerns between faculty and students. Results indicated that while many group counseling skills were demonstrated in the task group, not all skills manifested. Group skills that were more 'safe' in terms of counselor risk were demonstrated more often. Less 'safe' or risky group skills for the counselor, such as providing feedback to a group member, were demonstrated less frequently. The authors offer implications for research and practice.

New technologies and creative practices in teaching groupwork

“…Both groupwork modules share a conceptual framing that values autonomy, flexibility, diversity and collaboration; that seeks balance between didactic and experiential learning; that fosters real world applications and develops a shared approach that inspires both students and educators to become deeply engaged in learning and teaching. Keim, Goodrich, Ishii and Olguin (2013) suggest that the use of experiential groups is a viable alternate pedagogical approach to groupwork teaching. Practice and training in creative thinking, use of imagination and intuitive ability is advised by Benson (2008).…”