Module Code - Title:
EN3051
-
EXPERIENTIAL GROUP WORK AND GROUP PROCESSES IN THE CONTEXT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL STUDIES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Groups in various formats are often used in drug and alcohol work. This module will provide participants with theoretical foundations and skills to enable them to work more effectively with groups. The module will support participants' own personal development and develop their own awareness of being a group participant.
Syllabus:
The module will provide an overview of the development of group work, spanning T groups to experiential group learning; major theorists to include Egan, Rogers, Rowan, Kolb and Corey & Corey. The module will have a focus on application of key theory and principles to drug and alcohol work. There will be a focus on experiential group work (Kolb), including critique of developmental group work and substance abuse prevention programmes. The module will explore issues relevant to group practice, including ethical issues, participation, contract, group stages and group dynamics. There will be opportunities for development of micro skills, facilitation skills, and leadership skills relevant to group work. Personal development will span the module.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Critically examine current theoretical frameworks and key principles in group process;
Develop an understanding of the application of group process in building individual and community capacity for effective drug and alcohol intervention.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Critically reflect on the personal learning gained via participation in group process;
Discuss the implication of experiential learning for their own preferred learning styles and for effective community learning.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate micro-skills of facilitation specific to individual and group interventions;
Apply current theories and principles of group process to drug and alcohol practice
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through collaborative and creative group work and experiential learning exercises. Students will become more knowledgeable and competent in relation to facilitation and engagement in group work processes, contributing to their own life long development but also to their ability to responsibly and actively support learning for others.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Benson, J. F. (2010)
'Working more creatively with Groups'
, 3rd Ed. London: Routledge. (e-book)
Other Relevant Texts:
Prendiville, P. (2008)
'Developing Facilitation Skills: a handbook for group facilitators'
, 3rd ed., Dublin: Combat Poverty Agency
Corey, M.S. and Corey, G. (2016)
'Groups: Process and Practice'
, 10th Ed. Australia: Brooks and Cole
Egan, G. (1998)
'The Skilled Helper'
, Pacific Grove: Brooks Cole.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
DPDASTUPA - DRUG AND ALCOHOL STUDIES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
diarmuid.verrier@ul.ie