Study Group Experience Create Real World Ability

Study Group Experience Creates Real World Ability

During the last decade, small groups have taken over functions that were once performed by individuals (Northouse & Northouse, 1998).   It is not unusual for business and health professionals to be increasingly involved in interdisciplinary groups, advisory groups, task forces, and committees.   Understanding how groups work and how members communicate within groups is essential for professional accomplishment (Northouse & Northouse).   The School of Nursing (SON) recognizes the importance of the group process by employing the use of study groups to share learning responsibility.   Study groups are integral to completion of required curriculum and to adult education philosophy.   The study group process allows students to share talents, transfer knowledge, observe communications styles, and facilitate interactions to achieve a common objective.   Successful participation in the group process is as important as the final written report or oral presentation (Study Group Training, 1991).   This paper will review group content and process, discuss advantages and outcomes, and describe real world group process applications.  
Outline
Types of Groups
Describe content and process groups and provide examples of each
Advantages and Outcomes
Gain knowledge and experience
Develop problem solving skills
Interpersonal skills
Self-esteem
Decision making skills

Application to Practice
Incidental learning
Content experts
Examples of real work experience
Conclusion

References
Aguilera, D. C. (1994). Crisis intervention: Theory and methodology (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Beyerman, K. (1990). Committee work: Serendipitous teaching and learning. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 21(1), 18-22.
Hayslip, B. Jr., Miller, C., Beyerlein, M. M., Johnson, D., Metheny, W., & Yeatts, D. (1996). Employee age and perceptions of work in self-managing and traditional work groups. International Journal of...