Social work with groups

Structure Type: Course
Code: KF08BYL0610
Level: Bachelor
Credits: 3.0 points
Teacher Team: Saariaho, Marja-Liisa ; Veikkola, Kerttu
Language of Instruction: Finnish

Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester

Curriculum  Semester  Credits  Start of Semester  End of Semester
SOSALA-2013   3 autumn   3.0   2015-08-01   2015-12-31  
SOSALA-2014   3 autumn   3.0   2016-08-01   2016-12-31  

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to name methods of working with groups in social work. They will learn to supervise groups and understand how group dynamics affect the work. Students will learn to apply their group work skills to supervising various groups in social work, e.g. to peer groups, therapeutical groups and activity groups. They will learn to use the group to promote the functional capacity of individual clients.

Student's Workload

Lectures, group supervision exercises and exam 38 hours, independent study 40 hours.

Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses

Major part of the first year studies.

Contents

- Group work as a method in social work
- Group dynamics, stages of group development, functions of groups
- Peer groups, therapeutical groups, activity groups
- The role of the supervisor in a group
- Supervising groups

Recommended or Required Reading

- Niemistö, R. 2007. (7.p) Ryhmän luovuus ja kehitysehdot. Palmenia-kustannus
- Kataja J., Jaakkola T. & Liukkonen J. 2011. Ryhmä liikkeelle! Toiminnallisia harjoituksia ryhmän kehittämiseksi. Taito-sarja. PS-Kustannus.
- Järvinen, R.-Taajamo, T. 2006. Vertaisryhmän ohjaajan käsikirja. MLL.
- Jouttimäki P., Kangas S. & Saurama E. 2011. Uudistuva ja voimaannuttava aikuissosiaalityö. Visio vahvasta aikuissosiaalityöstä – hankkeen loppuraportti. Soccan työpapereita 2011:1. ss. 92-143. saatavuus: http://www.socca.fi/files/1676/Uudistuva_ja_voimaannuttava_aikuissosiaalityo_-_Visio_vahvasta_aikuissosiaalityosta_-hankkeen_loppuraportti.pdf

Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lectures, drama and interaction exercises, group supervision exercises, exam.

This course is undertaken as independent study as part of the module Empowerment in social work. Please ask the lecturer (Marja-Liisa Saariaho) for an assignment and material.

Assessment Criteria

Grade 1-2:
Students are able to name group work methods for work in the social field. They know how to base their work on client needs and specific situations when supervising groups. Students have basic knowledge of group supervision and they understand effects of group dynamics on the group activity. Students are able to supervise various groups in social field work.
Grade 3-4:
Students know how to promote group activity. They are able to supervise challenging groups (peer groups, therapeutical groups, activity groups). They work in a goal-oriented manner in compex group situations. They are capable of flexible, systematic, creative and active group supervision.
Grade 5:
Students demonstrate ability to solve problems in a creative and innovative manner. They are able to critically explore and evaluate their group supervision skills and activity in groups. Students are able to create professional interaction and co-operation relationships when supervising groups to promote their clients' social engagement. Students understand the meaning of clientship from the client perspective.

Assessment Methods

Active participation, exam and group supervision assignment.

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