COURSE OUTLINE

Course Group Dynamics (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71500 (100) Total Hours Credits PreRequisite(s) CoRequisite(s) Course Description
This course will focus on comprehensive theoretical understanding of group process, personal skill development and application through intensive team work. These skills are of critical importance in both professional and social settings. Through guided exploration and application of theoretical paradigms and practical strategies, students will achieve the necessary skills to succeed in and lead effective teams. The course consists in an intensive experiential approach - learning by doing - enabling participants to become effective, practiced team members with experience applying skills necessary for leadership, analysis and evaluation, problem solving, and conflict management. Individual and team activities enhance participants' skills to work with a variety of personalities in diverse situations, and to effectively assume various professional roles within a team. 45 3

Course Outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable the student to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Analyse strategies for effectively working in diverse group settings. Evaluate individual and team performances. Interpret group roles and norms through the development and implementation of an effective group contract. Employ active listening skills and effective communication. Apply decision making and problem solving theories through group process. Explore and apply creativity in small groups. Implement effective conflict management skills. Demonstrate appropriate leadership styles. Develop increased personal awareness with respect to interpersonal relations, leadership and conflict resolution skills.

10. Demonstration of mastery of the theory.

Unit Outcomes
Successful completion of the following units will enable the student to: 1.0 Working In Diverse Group Settings 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2.0 Define diversity in small groups. Identify ways that assumptions and stereotypes are formed when working in groups. Formulate strategies for challenging assumptions and stereotypes. Practice techniques of adapting to group diversity. Explain the strengths different socio-cultural perspectives bring to group settings.

Individual And Team Performance 2.1 2.2 2.3 Understand role responsibility Apply skills necessary for successful group functioning Develop skills in assessing individual and team performances.

2013-11-16

RETAIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE EDUCATIONAL/EMPLOYMENT USE

02:40

COURSE OUTLINE
Course Group Dynamics (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71500 (100)
2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 3.0 Develop increased self-awareness skills with respect to self and team assessments. Practise systematic feedback. Apply systematic feedback principles while constructing an instrument of evaluation for group performance. Develop and assess effective task-oriented actions appropriate to the performance of specific roles (e.g., team lead, analyst, minute-taker). Develop and assess effective relationship-oriented actions appropriate to the performance of specific roles (e.g., team lead, analyst, minute-taker). Identify issues arising from dysfunctional group behaviour Apply theoretical concepts to successfully resolve areas of dysfunction.

Group roles and norms and Group Contracts. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Examine personal and social values relevant to formulating group norms. Apply appropriate processes for establishing group norms. Establish appropriate sanctions for a particular group experience. Identify various group member roles 3.4.1 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Recognize differentiated role responsibilities (i.e., team leader, analyst, minute-taker, etc.). 3.4.2 Demonstrate functional task and socialoriented roles within a group. Demonstrate understanding and awareness of the various stages of group development. Apply strategies that contribute to group cohesion such as inclusion, acceptance, support and trust. Explain the concept of groupthink. Use effective problem solving and critical discussion to counter groupthink.

4.0

Active listening skills and effective communication 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Practice communication skills and styles conducive to specific role responsibilities. Evaluate the effectiveness of communication skills and styles within a group. Apply crucial key components of active listening Identify barriers to active listening in group communication. Employ strategies to address barriers to active listening in group communication Apply the concepts and skills of constructive criticism and appropriate feedback. Demonstrate professional communication through presentations and group discussions.

5.0

Decision-making and problem solving through group process. 5.1 5.2 5.3 Apply basic decision-making and problem solving theories. Apply an understanding of internal and external constraints to problem solving. Apply understanding and awareness of internal and external constraints to the group experience

6.0

Creativity In Small Groups. 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Define creativity as it relates to group process. Explain barriers to creativity (e.g., perceptual, cultural, and emotional). Develop effective strategies and techniques for overcoming barriers to creativity in groups. Employ creative problem solving skills successfully through the group process. Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a creative group climate.

7.0

Conflict Management Skills. 7.1 7.2 7.3 Examine the nature and value of interpersonal conflict. Illustrate theoretical and practical causes of conflict within groups (e.g., status, goals, power and resources). Distinguish between conflicts of interest and constructive controversy.

2013-11-16

RETAIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE EDUCATIONAL/EMPLOYMENT USE

02:40

COURSE OUTLINE
Course Group Dynamics (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71500 (100)
7.4 7.5 7.6 8.0 Explain the five standard styles of conflict management in relation to group process. Apply conflict management styles to specific group issues. Evaluate personal and group effectiveness with respect to conflict management strategies.

Professional leadership styles 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Explore various leadership theories. Practise appropriate leadership styles in various contexts. Apply specific leadership styles to particular situations within the group (e.g., leader as coach, conductor, technician). Apply key aspects of leadership tasks (e.g., facilitating meetings, empowering group members, managing conflict). Demonstrate personal awareness of the characteristics of an effective leader through practice in a group setting.

9.0

Personal Awareness And Interpersonal Relations, Leadership And Conflict Resolution 9.1 9.2 Interpret the theoretical components of group dynamics through active participation in group process. Explore areas for growth with respect to fulfilling group member roles and communicating effectively through personal reflection and assessment

Required Student Resources

Harris, Thomas E. and John C. Sherbolm. Small groups and team communication (5th). Toronto: Pearson. with WESSKA Oral Presentations RVP E-Book option

Optional Student Resources Evaluation

The minimum passing grade for this course is 60 (C). In order to successfully complete this course, the student is required to meet the following evaluation criteria: Theory Exams (2x20%) Practical Evaluation Individual Project 40.00 50.00 10.00 100.00 %

Other
Conestoga College is committed to providing academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please contact the Accessibility Services Office. ATTENDANCE: This course requires ongoing group work, and it is expected that the student will attend all classes and all meetings participating responsibly and professionally.

Prepared By School Date

Barb Primeau and Sidney Bater Liberal Studies 2013-06-26 Conestoga ITAL

2013-11-16

RETAIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE EDUCATIONAL/EMPLOYMENT USE

02:40

COURSE OUTLINE
Course Group Dynamics (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71500 (100)

2013-11-16

RETAIN THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE EDUCATIONAL/EMPLOYMENT USE

02:40