Lecture: 4 hours/week
- Lecture/discussion
- Small group leadership
- Team-based exercises
- Theoretical foundation for understanding and leading effective groups
- Theory of groups and group dynamics
- Factors influencing effective and ineffective groups
- Useful leadership strategies
- Strategies for effective decision making and problem solving
- Group facilitation techniques
Course content is guided by research, empirical knowledge and best practice. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content.
- Effective group programming allows participants to build positive interpersonal relationships, think critically and enjoy a positive learning environment.
- Understanding group dynamics and development including functions of a group guide the leader to meet the needs of the participants through purposeful interventions and evidence-based outcomes.
- The use of compassionate communication encourages group cohesion and supports a safe space to meet group goals and individual outcomes.
- Engaging volunteers leads to programming success and benefits for the leader, volunteer and participant.
- Applying conflict resolution and management strategies in groups offer opportunity for personal growth of participants.
- Effective leadership skills facilitate group programming that meet the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and emotional needs of participants.
- Group programming functions as a therapeutic intervention.
- Observing groups and gathering information on participants allows a leader to report relevant data to interdisciplinary team members to ensure collaboration and best practice.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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Define group process and identify the stages of group development;
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Explore the principles of group dynamics and identify factors that influence groups such as group norms, participant roles, communication styles;
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Discuss the role of conflict in group processes and identify strategies for managing conflict that arise in group settings;
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Apply group facilitation techniques and leadership skills;
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Develop strategies for effective utilization of volunteers in group facilitation.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.
Typical means of assessment include a combination of:
- Written Assignments
- Tests
- Presentations
Students in the TR program, both diploma and degree students, are required to attain a minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in all courses utilized for credit towards a diploma and/or degree in Therapeutic Recreation in order to progress in the program.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.