Course Description
In this course, the study of group process and group work practice is taken to a more advanced level as students analyze the relationship between group theory and practice. Group assessment and co-facilitation skills are demonstrated. Ethical group work practice, experiential education concepts, and advanced leadership skills will be applied as students design, implement, and evaluate a Therapeutic Recreation proposal and program.
Course Content
Group Practice and Techniques
- Facilitating effective group dynamics, building trust and cohesion
- Multicultural perspective of group work practice
- Exploring diversity, equity, and culture in group practice
- Trauma informed group practiceandinclusive leadership
- Advanced group leadership skills including facilitation and co-facilitation techniques
- Ethical and legal issues in group work
- Conflict management and collaboration
- Evidence-based interventions
- Use of motivational interviewing and storytelling
- Experiential learning through role play and small group leadership
- Program protocol application for psycho-education groups
- Self-reflective practice
- Principles of group observation and data analysis
- Methods of assessing group dynamics, culture, and environment
- Linking assessment to intervention
Group Program Planning: therapeutic group interventions
- Program protocol and session planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
- Group proposal development
Learning Activities
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, class discussions, small group work and workshops, experiential learning, research, and student presentations.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course. Typical means of assessment includes a combination of:
- Tests
- Written assignments
- Presentations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the theoretical foundations of group process and practice;
- synthesize a theoretical orientation upon which to guide group practice;
- describe how co-facilitation and experiential group work can be applied in therapeutic recreation service delivery;
- describe ethical group practice, including cultural consideration and integrating diversity in group work;
- assess the dynamics and process of a small group;
- plan, present and evaluate a Therapeutic Recreation program for a clinical or community-based group;
- demonstrate advanced leadership skills in experiential group work;
- reflect on group work practice of oneself and of co-facilitators, integrating feedback.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required readings and course materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.