SOCW09001 2022 Group Work -Theory and Practice

Analyse the background and current context of groupwork in social work, with a particular emphasis on groupwork with vulnerable or oppressed populations.(Domains 1.1, 1.5, 1.9; 3.14; 5.1, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 5.22)

Critically examine the theoretical context of groupwork. (Domains 1.9; 3.5; 5.1, 5.2, 5.12, 5.14, 5.22)

Assess thoroughly the various groupwork interventions in social work practice. (Domains 1.5, 1.9, 1.11, 1.16; 2.11; 5.1, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 5.22)

Develop skills and competencies for planning, forming, facilitating and evaluating outcomes of group work interventions (Domains 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.9, 1.11, 1.16; 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.11, 2.12; 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.14; 5.1, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.22, 5.23)

Plan, deliver and evaluate a groupwork activity. (Domains 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.11, 1.16; 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.11, 2.12; 3.5, 3.9; 5.1, 5.2, 5.10, 5.11, 5.14, 5.22

Seminars will occur weekly to allow students to understand, practice and evaluate group working skills.

This is an experiential module. The students and lecturer form a temporary group to allow for observation, practice and reflection to occur. Each session will focus on the exploration of theory, literature and skills and competencies development.  Individual, small group and large group work will occur within the group. Problem‑based learning, case studies and role play will all be employed.

Students will receive both lecturer and peer feedback at different stages throughout the module.

External stakeholders will also be invited to be part of this module.

Both formative and summative components are included in the overall assessment strategy.

Students will complete two assessments: The assessment of this module allows for assessment of CORU Standards of Proficiency as outlined below:

Assessment 1) A project that explores the role of group work within social work environments (40%) (Domains 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 3.5, 3.14; 5.1, 5.2, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 5.22)

Assessment 2) A group project based on the planning, implementation and evaluation of a group work activity/intervention (60%). Students will receive an individual mark within this group project. In preparation for this, students will receive formative feedback on a draft project. (Domains 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.9, 1.11, 1.16; 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.11, 2.12; 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.14; 5.1, 5.2, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.22, 5.23)

Students must pass all assessment components in order to pass this module.

Repeat requirements will be based on failed component(s).

LO1: Analyse the background and current context of groupwork in social work, with a particular emphasis on groupwork with vulnerable or oppressed populations

• Brief historical perspective of groupwork 
• Contemporary examples of group working, including models of group work.
• The professional context of groupwork.

LO2: Critically examine the theoretical context of group work

• Major theories of groupwork and their application to social work practice. This may include an examination of Cognitive Behavioural group work, the Mutual Aid model of group work and Psychodynamic group therapy.  
• Stage models of group work (eg Schutz or Tuckman's stages of group development)
•  Roles within Groups 

LO3: Assess thoroughly the various groupwork interventions in social work

• Groupwork as a social work intervention in social work practice within a variety of vulnerable and oppressed groups.
• Different types and functions of groupwork interventions in social work such as therapeutic, socialization, counselling and psychoeducational.
• Introduced to existing groupwork interventions such as Strengthening Families and Eolas Programmes through guest contributors.

LO4: Develop skills and competencies for planning, forming, facilitating and evaluating outcomes of group work interventions

• Student learning will build on previous knowledge acquisition but will now focus on the practical skills, knowledge, ethics and values within the group working process, specifically, how to manage this effectively within social work practices.
• Identify and evaluate the development of leadership and facilitation skills 
• Explore and analyse the complexities of group working and dynamics, including group roles, power and conflict, working with differences, groups think and group lifecycle.
• Examine and critically reflect on the importance of evaluating both the process and outcomes of group work for service users and other relevant stakeholders.

LO5: Plan, deliver and evaluate a groupwork activity

• Students will be given the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate a groupwork activity and in doing so develop appropriate knowledge skills and competencies, transferable to workplace environments.