Lecture: 4 hours/week
- Lecture/discussion
- Small group leadership
- Team-based exercises
- Theoretical foundation for understanding and leading effective groups
- Theory of groups and group dynamics
- Factors influencing effective and ineffective groups
- Useful leadership strategies
- Strategies for effective decision making and problem solving
- Group facilitation techniques
Course content is guided by research, empirical knowledge and best practice. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content.
- Effective group programming allows participants to build positive interpersonal relationships, think critically and enjoy a positive learning environment.
- Understanding group dynamics and development including functions of a group guide the leader to meet the needs of the participants through purposeful interventions and evidence-based outcomes.
- The use of compassionate communication encourages group cohesion and supports a safe space to meet group goals and individual outcomes.
- Engaging volunteers leads to programming success and benefits for the leader, volunteer and participant.
- Applying conflict resolution and management strategies in groups offer opportunity for personal growth of participants.
- Effective leadership skills facilitate group programming that meet the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and emotional needs of participants.
- Group programming functions as a therapeutic intervention.
- Observing groups and gathering information on participants allows a leader to report relevant data to interdisciplinary team members to ensure collaboration and best practice.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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Define group process and identify the stages of group development;
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Explore the principles of group dynamics and identify factors that influence groups such as group norms, participant roles, communication styles;
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Discuss the role of conflict in group processes and identify strategies for managing conflict that arise in group settings;
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Apply group facilitation techniques and leadership skills;
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Develop strategies for effective utilization of volunteers in group facilitation.
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 include a combination of:
- Written Assignments
- Tests
- Presentations
Students in the TR program, both diploma and degree students, are required to attain a minimum of 60% (C letter grade) in all courses utilized for credit towards a diploma and/or degree in Therapeutic Recreation in order to progress in the program.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.