Social group work in schools

Group work is a method of social work which develops the ability to establish constructive relationship in individuals through group activities.

1. Thasleem . M.P. 2 nd Sem. M.S.W. Central University of Kerala Social Group Work in Schools

2. Introduction Group work is a method of social work which develops the ability to establish constructive relationship in individuals through group activities.

3. Group Work in Schools Effective way to work with youth today Types of Groups Remedial - aimed to improve certain skills Supportive - giving emotional support to the students Psycho educational - deals with common issues occur at different stages of development

4. Remedial Group Study skill Building self-concept Social skills Stress management Working with challenging students

5. Supportive Group Changing families New students ADHD Diversity/ multicultural issues Gender specific issues

6. Psycho Educational Peer relationship ‘Girls’ issues / ‘boys’ issues Decision making College career issues Understanding parents

7. Open group It’s scheduled at a specific time Often conducts on free-times Students would get chance to decide either to participate or not Might need parents permission if they are below 18

8. Closed group Only selected students are invited Participants may share a common issue such as ‘writing skill’, ‘low academic performance’ etc. Tend to be more structured Have a specific goal Group leaders role is more directive than in an open group

9. Group work in elementary schools An efficient way to provide services for students, hence schedules are more flexible in elementary classes Can be done with the students who have behavioral adjustment problems, or on developing life skills and addressing the issues that pertain to elementary students Other benefit is that there is no stigma among students in getting group work

10. Group work among high school students More challenging, tight schedule. developmental changes ( physically, emotionally, mentally, cognitively) during the middle school years can wreak havox on students’ self-concept, peer relationship, and decision making ability. It’s more important in middle school level than either of the two levels.

11. Group work among higher secondary/ college students Developmental needs shift to some what career, and school/college issues begin to move to the forefront, and group work services can facilitate the decision making of adolescents as they approach adulthood. Opens greater opportunities Small-group work session during lunch, free periods, or before after school make the open format more attractive than closed groups. Structured group may have a common theme such as relationship or family issues, groups that support accademic progress of students should be a priority, as students are beginning to consider their life after the study

12. Possible topics at each level Elementary school High school Higher secondary & college Study skills Transitions Understanding parents Assertiveness skill Career exploration Decision making Changing families Diversity Higher education/ career planning Self concept Children of alcoholics (also in ele .) Time management Anger management Children of incarcerated parents (also in ele .) Sexuality education (depending on school’s policy) Behavior management Gender specific issues Stress management

13. Advantages and challenges of group work in schools Advantage Fills critical need to address developmental issues Natural setting where group participants are readily available Safe environment, students can express their thoughts and feelings