6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
Group work is a major social work intervention method. In professional practice in the field, social workers are required to practise effective group work interventions in diverse settings, with families, service users, stakeholders, community groups, inter-agency networks, colleagues in the workplace and in policy environments. Students will develop a relationship with a community group or organisation. The unit requires students to work effectively in groups to compare and analyse community groups in which they have been a member.
The unit has a focus on the theory and practice of group work, including the historical development of this social work method, planning and implementing a group work intervention, communication in groups, group leadership and facilitation styles, and managing group dynamics. Students will also learn how to negotiate and navigate a community engagement process with a community group or organisation in the field and successfully complete a 'real-world' group project.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Describe and critically analyse the processes of group development and group dynamics in effective and ineffective groups.
- Apply the principles of group development and group dynamics to the development, facilitation and evaluation of a group project.
- Explain how group work practice involves effective evidence-based community engagement processes.
- Critically reflect on their own ability to work in groups.
- Negotiate, manage and document the planning and completion of a group activity.
Assessment
- Group project report (1,500 words) (30%)
- Group presentation (15%)
- Critical reflection and analysis essay (2,500 words) (55%)
Students must pass the critical reflection and analysis essay in order to pass the unit.
Workload requirements
The unit runs for 12 weeks. Students are expected to undertake 156 hours of study per semester. Students are expected to use their study time to attend on-campus lectures and workshops, undertake the weekly unit tasks as set out in the Unit Outline and in the off-campus Unit Guide (off campus students), which include set readings.
See also Unit timetable information
Off-campus attendance requirements
Mandatory attendance is required by off-campus students for a 2 day workshop in semester 1 during the mid-semester break at the Caulfield campus. Dates to be advised at the beginning of Semester 1.