Group Process Facilitation I

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Group Process and Facilitation is a 2-semester, 5- or 6-credit course sequence. In the first semester, students learn background knowledge and skills related to: advanced reflective listening, group processes and management, leadership and facilitation. Students also participate in their own Connection Project group. In semester 2, students who are deemed “ready to lead” will be eligible to co-facilitate 1-2 Connection Project group(s) and also receive weekly group supervision. Through readings, discussion, participation in The Connection Project, and practice in leading groups, this course will help you hone and develop your group facilitation knowledge and skills. You will work hard to learn about yourselves, your peers, understanding differences, and fostering a supportive community. In order to use these skills in the future, we have asked that you commit to two semesters (or more) of work with The Connection Project, so that you may have the opportunity to facilitate your own group after you complete this course. The semester is split into three phases: during the first phase of the semester, students are divided into three small groups of ~12 students each. Small groups meet during the regularly scheduled class time with a facilitator (your professor or TA) to complete the Connection Project curriculum as a participant. You will engage in the activities and discussion as a member of your Hoyas Connected group. This allows you to (1) experience the sessions as your group members will, doing the same work of building group-level connection, and (2) see how your facilitator(s) manage the groups as a model for your later facilitation experience. During the second phase of the semester, the entire class meets together for didactics – lectures, discussions, and self-reflection to learn the why and how of the program as well as core facilitation skills. The final phase of the course is reserved for role plays to practice applying the skills; you’ll each have an opportunity to co-lead a small group using an actual segment of the Hoyas Connected curriculum. Departmental permission required. Prerequisite: At least one PSYC course.