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No group of
people I have worked with ever seems to conform to any
model of group development.
Which is not frustrating. Quite the opposite.
I get frustrated by programmes designed for average groups - that never
(of course) exist.
Reading is no substitute for direct experience, but I do find the 'Gestalt' books below to be the closest to my own experiences of what happens in groups. It is the very diversity of people and groups that makes group facilitation such a rewarding (if challenging) experience! |
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A Handbook for People Meeting With a Purpose
Dale Hunter, Anne Bailey, Bill Taylor
Good stuff for novice and experienced group leaders.
I saw this book being used by a trainer I was working with, and had to
buy it.
It covers all types of groups, from a bunch of friends coming together
to arrange a holiday away, to experienced therapeutic groups. The
authors forgo the normal forming, storming etc in favour of a more
sophisticated model of group development, and then elegantly show how
this model can apply to all groups. ...
This is a powerful text, suitable for all levels, with stuff you will
want to read over and over again. If you only buy one "group" book, get
this one...
(Reviewed by stephen.pridgeon@virgin.net)
See
Stephen Pridgeon's full review.
(from
the publisher) Tips
& Tools offers practical ideas and key ingredients for
enhancing group facilitation including:
More information from the publisher: http://www.experientialtools.com/2011/08/21/tips-and-tools/ |
Book Description:
This best-selling text is a broad, integrative overview of group
dynamics presented in a well researched, readable, and experiential
format. This text introduces readers to the theory and research findings needed to understand how to make groups effective, and it helps build the skills required to apply that knowledge in practical situations. More than a textbook, Joining Together illustrates how this knowledge and mastery of skills creates choices, opportunities, and successes for each individual. Synopsis: Providing an overview of group dynamics, this textbook introduces the theory, research findings, and practical skills related to building effective groups. Coverage includes such topics as experiential learning; goals, interdependence, and trust; communication; leadership; power; decision making; conflict. See full review at: amazon.co.uk and this review in the list of recommended books at infed.org |
Reviewed by Chris Loynes:
This may be the first text for a long while that seeks to explore the
learning group experience instead of transferring ideas and practices
from
other types of groups into this context. Martin draws mainly on
psycho-dynamic ideas of groups but he does this critically not bringing
in
things that only work in the settings in which the ideas were developed
like
one to one therapy. He also brings in other ideas as they seem to him
to
explain phenomena we experience in learning groups or help the
facilitator
understand their experience in act in role.
Martin has a background in corporate and youth social work and what he has to say is linked to examples from both. Outdoor people will enjoy and be intrigued by the wombat story. Although the book is theory rich it is well written and I found it easy to connect the ideas to experience and practice. The main part of the book does focus on the implications to practice of Martin's ideas. I've adopted it as a key text for our MA degree. I recommend it. (reviewed by
Chris Loynes.
The MA reference is explained on the
careers page)
Synopsis: Groups provide a powerful medium for therapeutic work, and are the building blocks of all institutions - whether in the education, health, government, or private sectors. Martin Ringer outlines techniques for understanding groups that should be relevant to those who lead teams in any setting. The result is a guide to both leading a group, and to understanding the necessary dynamics that should result in the best teamwork. Throughout, the author uses his experience to try and make his points as accessible as possible to all readers - whether or not they have a formal background in group psychology. (amazon.co.uk) You will find a
flyer and book reviews from Australia, Germany and the
UK
at the author's website. |
Publisher's Synopsis:
A training manual and sourcebook for facilitators, managers and leaders
who want to encourage full participation, promote mutual understanding,
and help groups build inclusive, sustainable agreements. It presents
more than 200 valuable tools and skills and places them in the context
of a lucid, realistic model of the dynamics of group decision-making.
This Guide will help all facilitators improve their diagnostic
judgement and increase their repertoire of methods and skills for
supporting groups to make sound, saner decisions.
See
Paula Green's detailed and favourable review published in
Fellowship July/August 1997
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A book to help members of groups. This is a practical, readable and affordable introduction to groupwork - with useful matchstick figure illustrations. (78 pages) (Roger Greenaway) |
This essential text deals with the benefits of relaxation, covers both theoretical and practical relaxation methods, includes over 100 activity ideas, provides constructive guidelines for good practice and incorporates actual workshop themes. Including comprehensive appendices comprising of alternative therapies, further reading matter, useful addresses and visual aids, this manual will be of real value to both seasoned and beginner practitioners alike. (see the full review at Therapeutic Resources.com) |
A clear and practical introduction to the art of facilitation. |
The Skilled Facilitator: a Comprehensive Resource for Consultants, Facilitators, Managers, Trainers and Coaches Roger M. Schwarz Book Description: When it was published in 1994, Roger Schwarz's The Skilled Facilitator earned widespread critical acclaim and became a landmark in the field. The book is a classic work for consultants, facilitators, managers, leaders, trainers, and coaches--anyone whose role is to guide groups toward realizing their creative and problem-solving potential. This thoroughly revised edition provides the essential materials for facilitators and includes simple but effective ground rules for group interaction. Filled with illustrative examples, the book contains proven techniques for starting meetings on the right foot and ending them positively and decisively. This important resource also offers practical methods for handling emotions when they arise in a group and offers a diagnostic approach for identifying and solving problems that can undermine the group process. |
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