Teaching is divided into three components – Theory, Participation in a Group and Leading a Group.
Seminar 1 - Theory
The first seven weeks are theoretical taught seminars. Students will build upon their knowledge of groups, explore the historical background and development of group work and go on to consider specific issues such as dealing with troubling behaviour, gangs and groups, issues of interpretation, insight and corrective emotional experience, as well as consider staff support groups.
Seminar 2 - Participation in a Group
This seminar is experiential. Student participation in a group led by the seminar tutor and will be given specific tasks to work on during groups. They will consider the importance of beginnings and endings in groups, the holding function of continuity and routine, a range of exercises with different functions and the balance needed between activity and reflection. Students can reflect and make links from their own experience of the group to the theory being studied.
Student Workshops - Leading a Group
In the final three weeks students will be participating in weekly activities and exercises. They will, in addition, each have the opportunity to lead a group activity or exercise, contending with issues raised by leadership, followership, participation and teamwork.