1.Rounds and dyads can be very excellent and effective techniques for many different types of groups. As group leaders, we must know how to use these two techniques in order to be effective group leaders and make the groups that we lead have more meaning. As stated by Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, and Harvill (2016), “The value of rounds cannot be overemphasized – no skill, technique, or exercise mentioned in this book is more valuable than a round” (p. 206). Rounds can have many uses, including building comfort and trust, gaining focus of group members, gathering information, drawing out quiet members, deepening group intensity, and summarizing group goals, just to name a few.
A dyad is an activity where pairs of members discuss issues or complete a task, and are immensely valuable because they can be used for many reasons. According to Corey, Corey, and Haynes (2014), “Working in pairs facilitates member interaction because talking to one person seems less threatening that addressing the entire group” (p. 18-19). Dyads have many uses, including: Developing comfort, warming up group members, processing information, finishing topics, getting certain members together, providing leader-member interaction, changing group format, and providing adequate time for the group to think (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p. 216). Dyads are a key in involving all group members, and allowing ample time for all members to voice their thoughts and concerns.
An example of a specific round that I might use is a Word or Phrase round, which is where the members are asked to respond with only a word or short phrase in order to keep the comments brief (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p. 209). My question for my group members of my Education group would be, “in a word or phrase, how would you describe your feelings about community policing?” This question would help me to get an initial understanding of where my group members stand and what their opinions are regarding this particular topic.
I would use a dyad exercise in either the first or second group session, which can help members become comfortable. I would have members pair up during the initial group meeting in order to establish more comfort, and also to gain a better understanding of what my group members would like to learn.
References:
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
2. The group that I would be conducting is a task group. Specifically, it will be a collection of people who are part of a volunteering group each with a different skill set, yet gathered in support of one another for a similar cause. During the initial stages of the group, I will use rounds to allow everyone to introduce themselves and mention their main skill sets pertaining to the project. This will be done to encourage everyone to speak and make others away of his or her specific talents.
After the first session, phrase rounds will still be used to encourage each member to expound on one thing that they learned from another member about that member’s field. Just as the counselor in the video asked everyone to give a short phrase or word about their week, so I would ask them to do similarly but in regard to what they have learned the previous week (Mindtap, 2016).
After the initial introductions, I will explain and clarify the over-arching goal of the group and the expectations for each member. This will be the time during each session that I bring up any announcements that pertain to the group. Dyads will be used next during the meetings. The way they will be used during the first meeting is by having two members share with one another their specific field and how it benefits the whole. Throughout the meetings, this will change by allowing the professionals in their field to teach the other member something about their tasks. In doing this, it allows the members to learn from one another and to grow in appreciation for other fields.
The use of these two tools will help to enrich the environment of knowledge as well as foster a growing understanding of what others have to offer. In allowing the members to have the authority to explain their tasks and talents, it empowers them to have the confidence needed to excel in their field. This structure also enables each member to realize they are part of something much greater.
Reference
Mindtap (2016). Custom online access to videos accompanying Group counseling: Strategies and skills.