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Staci Dwyer

Group Experience

Dr. Shinefeild

October 14, 2009

The purpose of this observation assignment was to

investigate and interpret the different types of interactions between the

individuals and groups present, as well as the environment in which these

interactions take place. The various relationships and sense of hierarchy in

addition to the status and authority among the different individuals are

also extremely pertinent to this assignment, as the dissection of such

interactions and relationships may implicate certain socially constructed

gender roles and social class placed on these individuals. The observation

was conducted at my place of employment. The role adopted, was that of

observer as participant. Group structures and dynamics, as well as overall

participation, patterns of behavior, and the duration and timing of such

behaviors and interactions were observed and recorded throughout a three

day period. Sociological concepts pertaining to age, gender, class, and

ethnicity were also noted and applied.

The Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation department was

chosen as an ideal observation space, as it conducts mandated assessments

for disabled individuals on public assistance and of all social classes


allowing different cultural backgrounds, specifically Latinos and African

Americans to be observed. This group consisted of ten individuals seven

Latino’s three were male and three African Americans two were females.

Day one I sat and observed the group enter the room and be seated. There

was a panel of my co-workers there to explain to the group the next

process and what events will be taking place in this session. As these steps

were being explained I heard grunting and moaning from the group as if

to let the panel know they were not happy being there. The age range for

this group was from twenty-one to fifty-four. The instructor for the group

was a Caucasian male which he proceeded to take attendance and explain

the assessment that was going to be given. The older individuals of the

group started to express that they shouldn’t be in the group because they

were disabled and are not employable at this time. The others in the group

agreed and laughed, most stated that they were just going to write

anything so they can get out of there. The youngest participant of the

group stated she was going to do her best because this reflects her

knowledge and what type of job she can obtain. The others in the group

just turned and mumbled under their breathe. Others brought up

concerns as if they were going to be given metrocards to get home and

return in the morning, the group was reassured they would be given

metro’s and they proceeded to start taking the assessments.


On day two only eight of the ten clients showed for

assessments. All dragged in kind of sluggish but willing to get started as

they stated they just wanted to get out of there. I can tell how the moods

have changed from day one, it was angry and rude, day two seemed more

like a group but still needed some reassuring that as soon as they finish

they can get started on the next phase in which was meeting with job

developer. The youngest one of the group appeared to be the leader as she

went in to do what she had to do and steered the rest of the group that

way. By the end of day two the group was laughing and joking with each

other as well as involving the instructor, they even involved me in some of

their conversation. The group gave me a sense that they were angry in the

beginning due to being mandated by the Human Resource Administration,

and not being compensated for it. The instructor and myself informed

them that their feelings were being validated by us they also need to see

where HRA is coming from. When I was asked to explain I did so by

telling the group that HRA is assisting them with their rent, Medicaid,

food stamps and giving them monthly money in return HRA feels that they

are eligible candidates to seek assistance to obtain employment. As I stated

this their faces lit up and most stated yes I am capable of obtaining and

sustaining employment to help me become self sufficient. My role in this

group was to observe but as I was brought in as co-leader by the instructor

I felt a shift in the attitudes of the group.


On day three of the group, the last day they will be meeting

the group displayed very positive attitudes eager to find out when they will

have their individual plan of employment and move on to the next phase.

The group met with Work experience developers and was informed of

when they will meet will meet with a case manager. Toward the end of the

day I was approached by one of the participants that in the beginning was

refusing to participate, this client thanked me for making his experience a

positive one.

While observing this class I did not think for one minute I

would wind up being a co-facilitator. In the beginning of the group my

feelings were one of here we go again, but as the day progressed and I

actually listened to what each participant was saying and heard them out.

Day two when they involved me in the discussion I took it with stride and

gave them validating information. Considering I and the other instructor

were from different cultural backgrounds than the group participants I

thought they would not be open to hear us out or listen. According to

Corey, Corey & Corey “How can you encourage others to risk self-

discovery if you are hesitant to come to terms with yourself ?” I am glad I

pushed my own biases aside and joined in the group. I feel the group and

myself learned something from one another after our three days of

meeting.
References

Corey, Corey & Corey (2006). Groups Process and Practice (8th ed)
Belmont, CA: Brooks / Cole, Cencage Learning (36)

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