Deck 10: Group Facilitation and Counseling

Question 1

Describe three communication styles.

Answer 1

Table 10.1 describes three communication styles including submissive, assertive, and aggressive. The table is repeated here.

Question 2

What guides the facilitator choices regarding content and focus of questions?

Answer 2

Facilitators choose the content and the focus of a question by evaluating what is needed to move the discussion forward. For example if the group is stuck because they do not have adequate knowledge, the need is for questions that seek facts or clarification of concepts. If the discussion appears disjointed, a process question may be in order asking participants to choose a solution, predict what will happen, or to compare and contrast two situations. If a need to address emotions arises, affective questions can be used probing for opinions, feelings, attitudes, or beliefs. Behavior questions are useful if a plan of action is under discussion while several members have indicated they are not ready for that step. If that is the case, the focus of questions should be on the application of new knowledge, what they learned from past experiences, or how they can solve a problem. Table 10.2 provides examples of categories of questions with examples of application for specific group situations. Questions that put individuals "on the spot" by asking for justification for their actions or identifying blame are not likely to promote positive group dynamics.

Question 3

Identify four techniques for organizing a meeting for group decision making and problem solving.

Answer 3

1) Pair-Share works well with a large group. This process provides an opportunity for all participants to discuss their thoughts and feelings about a topic with another individual. When the topic is opened up for general discussion, the comments are likely to be more concisely and coherently formulated after sharing with small groups.
2) Corners tends to work well with a group when there are distinct tasks that need to be addressed. Participants are allowed to choose their task and move to the corner of the room that has the task posted.
3) ORID is a method encouraging discussion by providing a progression of questions that takes a group through four consecutive stages: Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, and Decisional. The facilitator asks probing questions that follow the natural sequence people generally utilize to contemplate an issue. This process is useful for reflecting on experiences and invites a variety of perspectives in a non-confrontational manner. The questions should flow naturally from one stage to the next.
4) Consensus is a method for making group decisions by encouraging members to share their thoughts, feelings, and suggestions. In order to develop a sustainable agreement, a group facilitator needs to lead the group through four stages: gathering diverse points of view; building a shared framework of understanding; developing inclusive solutions; and reaching closure.

Question 4

What do emotion-based counseling materials emphasize?

Question 5

Identify and explain four advantages of group counseling.

Question 6

Identify and explain four disadvantages of group counseling.

Question 7

Explain the six steps of the group process.