Group process skills

TABLE OF CONTENTS | MAP | CSA HOME

Running a group or presenting information sessions requires particular facilitation skills.

A summary of the things you need to pay attention to when developing your skills in this area include:

  • Relationships and interaction between group members
  • Different needs and learning styles of individual members
  • Theories of adult learning
  • Impact of the leader on the group
  • Impact of the co-facilitator on the group
  • mportance of careful planning and debriefing.

Effective group facilitation

To be an effective group facilitator, you should develop your ability to:

  • Identify relevant learning issues
  • Involve participants in discussion
  • Support participants' learning
  • Establish group rules so that there are guidelines about how the group will operate
  • Enforce these rules firmly and appropriately, when necessary, in the group process
  • Engage both men and women
  • Listen and communicate effectively
  • Convey acceptance, respect and understanding
  • Plan relevant and varied processes and activities
  • Acknowledge differences in learning styles
  • Problem solve with the group
  • Convey optimism and hope when relevant
  • Be well-informed on the topic at hand
  • Be resourceful
  • Be comfortable about not knowing everything
  • Follow-up with information when this is required or promised
  • Deal appropriately with difficult and unexpected situations that are likely to occur.

Gender differences

Men and women will engage, participate and learn in different ways.

Traditionally, it has been more difficult to attract men to counselling or group sessions dealing with personal and relationship issues.This needs to be acknowledged and taken into account when planning programs.

To ignore gender differences and failing to plan accordingly, will result in men not attending or being alienated during sessions.

It must be remembered that men are an important target group for this resource. Engaging men in programs section.

Cultural diversity

In every group there will be a diverse range of people who may be linked or separated because of their:

  • socio-economic background
  • religious affiliation
  • sexual orientation
  • age
  • ethnic background.

It is the responsibility of the leader to be sensitive to any needs that arise out of this diversity.

Evaluation

Evaluation of each session and the entire program is essential in order to inform future planning and allocation of resources. Four evaluation forms are featured on the following pages.

  1. Participant's evaluation (single session) should be filled in by participants at the end of a one-off session.
  2. Evaluation of Back on track (multiple sessions) should be used where participants attend a program made up of more than one session.
  3. Group leader reflection sheet is designed to help you reflect on your planning and group facilitation skills and process.
  4. CSA evaluation to assist the resource sponsor evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of this resource to facilitators.

1. Participant's evaluation

Single session

The aims of this session were: (Facilitator to complete)

1. From your point of view, were the above aims of this session achieved?

Yes   No   In part  

2. This session was (Mark on the line)

1 2 3 4 5
Not useful Most useful

3. The most useful part of this session was

4. The least useful part of this session was

5. Would you recommend this session to others?

Yes   No   Perhaps  

Thank you!

2. Evaluation of Back on track

This questionnaire gives you the opportunity to express your views of the program anonymously. We are interested in your opinions, whether they are positive or negative. Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

1. Your Sex: Male   Female

2. Your Age: years

3. Country of Birth:

4. Relationship Status:
Separated, no new relationship   Remarried
Separated, with a new partner     Never married

Here are some statements about your program experience. For each statement tick the box which best represents your immediate reaction to that statement.

Strongly disagree Partly disagree Not sure Partly agree Strongly agree
The program was clearly relevant to my concerns and problems.
The group leader was well-prepared and communicated information effectively.
The program's material and activities have aided my learning.
The program increased my understanding of my financial and legal responsibilities.
The program was less interesting and useful than I had anticipated when enrolling.
I feel the program experience will lead to changes in my personal relationships.
The program has helped me to deal more effectively with parenting issues.
The program failed to address my feelings and emotions about personal difficulties.
The program offered practical and realistic ideas for handling future problems.
I learned a great deal about communication and conflict management.
I felt that the group leader was rather insensitive to my feelings and difficulties.
The program was too confusing and lacked focus.
I would return to similar programs if I have problems in the future.
I felt that the program discussions wasted time by not addressing important issues.

Thinking about the program as a whole:

1. What did you feel was the most helpful and engaging?

2. What seemed like a waste of time or confusing?

3. What would have more closely addressed your concerns?

4. What other changes to the program would you suggest?

3. Group leader reflection sheet

As a group leader, consider the following questions.

1. How appropriate was the physical setting?

2. Were your session aims appropriate?

3. Were the aims of the session achieved?
(a) by all participants
(b) by some participants?

4. What did you think was the most helpful and engaging segment of the session for participants?

5. What did you think was the least helpful or engaging segment?

6. How adequate was your planning and allocation of time?

7. Were you satisfied with your facilitation of the group?

8. Is there something you would do differently next time? What?

9. Did you effectively engage male and female participants?

10. Were there any barriers in engaging participants? For example, language, cultural differences or phychological?

11. Do you need to take any follow-up action before the next session? What?

CSA evaluation

CSA has sponsored the development of this resource and we invite your feedback.
Please assist us by filling in and returning this evaluation form.

Since receiving this resource:
Number of sessions conducted:
Total number of participants:
Your state/territory Male/female participant ratio:
Cultural/linguistic diversity of participants:
 
How did you use the resource:
To create a new program Supplement existing program
As professional information only
 
Format Used:
Education session Information session
Counselling One-off session
Workshop Family therapy
Extended program (how many weeks: )
 
Resource Components Used:
All Separating
Future Directions Repartnering
And Then! User's Guide

Ratings:

Rate how this resource has supported your requirements in providing a service to separated/repartnered parents and their children:
Poor Below Average Average Good Excellent
Comments:
 
Rate the overall usefulness of the resource:
Poor Below Average Average Good Excellent
Comments:
 
Rate the overall ease of application and organisation of the resource's contents:
Poor Below Average Average Good Excellent
Comments:
 
Rate the overall fit between the resource and the needs of participants:
Poor Below Average Average Good Excellent
Comments:

Do you have any additional comments/feedback about this resource?

If you are sending this evaulation form:
Postal address:
National Products & Services Unit
Child Support Agency
40 Cameron Avenue
Belconnen ACT 2601

Back to top

TABLE OF CONTENTS | MAP | CSA HOME