Group Development
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Contents |
Group Development
Educational Goals
Group dynamics vary from trip to trip but regardless of the nature of a trip, be it short or long, for education purposes or just for fun, those dynamics can help or hinder the experience of all involved. As a leader it is important to have an understanding of how group development works in order to help along any developmental glitches that could occur. If a leader can consistently recognize what stage of development a group is in they will be less likely to worry about the chaos of group storming. The leader is also more capable of inspiring confidence in the group that they will make it through these stages and end up functioning well together in the performing stage. The greater the understanding of group development a leader has, the easier it will be for them to notice immediately what factors will affect the development of any group.
Key Points
Forming This is the meeting and greeting portion of the trip. The feelings of individual members of the group can vary greatly from excited anticipation to a nervous insecurity. If the group is asked to solve a problem at this stage they will accept the task and work at it, but they will not work well together. Conversation at this point tends to be superficial as members of the group are generally reluctant to share personal information.
The leader’s role here is basically dictatorial as the group needs lots of direction to encourage their formation. Ice breakers are a great way to provide a fun activity that will involve everyone and ease tense situations.
Storming There is an increased focus on the “group” at this stage. Individuals are continuing to get to know one another and as this happens, the group witnesses the forthcoming of the “real person”. Everyone is trying to figure out the rules and regulations of the group and hence some conflicts can arise. Roles are being questioned and everyone is sorting their position in the group.
As the group continues to develop, the leader can take a step back and move into a more democratic stance. The leader needs to recognize that problem arising during this stage are normal and should not be avoided. Create and open environment among the group members so that all can participate.
Norming At this point most conflicts have been resolved and individuals have a good understanding of their role within the group. This allows for more cooperation and a sense of order not found in previous stages. The relationships being developed at this point will be much more intimate and based on a real understanding of who the person is.
The leader should allow the group to continue their development with minimal direction. Leaders should encourage productive norms and group standards.
Performing At this stage the individuals within the group are confident in their roles, the expectations of them and their own knowledge they have made connections around common interest and these connections are positive and affirming. Those who often hid in the back ground will now begin to open up.
The leader should be less directive as the group is more capable of organizing themselves and self-guiding. The leader should encourage the group to interact on their desires for independence to the extent that they take a more active role in the guiding.
Adjourning This stage is the often reminiscent of the forming stage. At this point, the trip is nearing and end and soon the group will be dissolving. This causes mixed feelings within a group that dissipates the confidence they were previously experiencing together.
The leader should continue to encourage productivity while allowing for a conclusion to the trip. It is important to provide a definite closure to the trip, allowing the group to celebrate what they have done and accomplished together and to gain confidence that this is not necessarily the end but the beginning for they will be able to bring with them lessons that they have learned and stories and experiences that they have gained.
Teaching Considerations
While it is very important for a leader to understand how a group is working together, it is less important for the group to know how they’re developing as they do so. Group development could be a better lesson to teach later on the trip once the group is working well through their development. At this point, the groups own development can be used as an excellent example in the teaching and the group can gain a self awareness and understanding of what they went through.
