Introduction
We work with groups of learners for two main reasons – it seems a more economical use of time and we know that people learn differently, and usually better, in groups than on their own.
This learning object offers evidence for the belief that learning in groups is an effective use of 'teacher' and 'student' time and energy and it incorporates some practical suggestions for maximising the potential of learning groups. There are general sections which aim to enhance understanding of what happens in group learning and what you, as the facilitator, might do to support and promote your learners in face-to-face or online groups. We explore the issues involved in group supervision in social work and offer two examples of this practice in Scotland. The learning object also includes signposts to wider reading for deeper consideration of the theory and practice of group learning.
For words whose meaning and application might be ambiguous, a glossary is provided as is a list of all references and suggestions of additional reading or resources for those who wish to explore this area further.
Words in the glossary are in green and references are in orange so that you can just click on it to get to the related information.
Author and Copyright
© 2009 Scottish Social Services Council. This material was written for the SSSC by Mary Coles and Moira Dunworth. This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.5 UK : Scotland License. This means you are free to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work; and to make derivative works on condition that you credit SSSC and do not use the work for commercial purposes. For full details of the licence please visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/scotland/