Option B – This is for students who have led or co-led or observed a social work group in their
placement or place of employment.
Description: The purpose of this option for the final paper (6-10 pages) is to demonstrate that the
the student has achieved the objectives of this course and has integrated the knowledge, values, and
skills in their field placements. Students will analyze and assess a current group that they
facilitate or lead in their field placements in terms of the following knowledge, values, and skills:
Background (5 points)
Describe the agency the group is in. How the group fits into the agency’s mission.
Knowledge (6 points)
1. Description of the group as a system: open-closed, voluntary, or mandated.
a. individual members (history, background, what each brought to the group)
b. structure of the group (leadership, roles, rules, and norms)
c. theoretical orientation used with the group
d. the process of the group (interactional patterns, communication patterns, conflict
management, leadership styles, decision-making, etc.)
e. the outcome of the group
2. Dynamics of the group through the stages of group development.
3. Describe the use of at least one intervention that you tried in the group and the theoretical 3. framework on which it was based.
4. Identification of any transference and counter-transference issues that may be concerns for you
and for other group members in future groups.
5. Description of at least one important knowledge base that you learned, which you could apply
to a variety of group settings.
Values (2 points)
Using one example:
1. Describe how at least one element of the NASW Code of Ethics influenced your behavior in
the group.
Skills (5 points)
Using one example of each:
1. Summarize how your group began, maintained, and terminated as a group.
2. Describe techniques utilized to build group cohesion.
3. Describe any examples of co-leadership that occurred within your group.
4. Cite an example of an experience where cultural context and group diversity influenced the
group dynamic or intervention.
Evaluation (5 points)
1. What did you learn about yourself in the role of group leader? Include discussion on any power
differentials based on gender, sexual orientation, ability, or race. (This might require additional
reading to support your ideas.)
2. Name one skill you will take away from this experience.
3. How do you know the group was successful relative to its purpose?
V. APA Writing Format: Citations and References: At least 5 (2 pts)
The paper should be written using APA format. See Szuchman, L.T. and Thomlinson, B. (2008) Writing
with Style, APA Style for Social Work. New York.
Key Details:
I work as a school social worker in a High School.
This is a closed group for students who have Group Counselling stated in their IEP.
This Group is twice a month for 30 minutes and our main focus is building social skills for students who have an Autism Diagnosis.
