Dr. P.B. Verma Professor of Community Medicine P.D.U. Medical College, Rajkot Group Dynamics

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Objectives To understand group dynamics in terms of its formation and development through various stages To understand factors facilitating and hindering group discussion To appreciate and understand the various roles played by group members To explore and understand the ways to use group dynamics in medical education

Groups Four Sociological Criteria of a Group: ¶ Two or more freely interacting individuals · Collective norms ¸ Collective goals ¹ Common identity © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1998 Group: “Two or more freely interacting individuals who share collective norms and goals and have a common identity.” Irwin/McGraw-Hill

Tuckman’s Five-Stage Theory of Group Development ¶ Forming: “Ice breaking” stage; low trust; holding back; need for leadership (Orientation) · Storming: Power structure is tested; subgroups form (Redefinition) ¸ Norming: Questions about power and authority resolved (Coordination) ¹ Performing: Attention devoted to solving task problems (Formalization) º Adjourning: Work is done; return to independence; a sense of loss (Termination)

Group Roles Group Leader Recorder/Scribe Time keeper Reporter All should participate in discussion These roles should keep on changing

Groups in ME Learn better when actively involved Peer instruction, teaching each other Learn more fully and with less effort Learn in context Simulates the “real world” -use of teams

Advantages Learner centred —It fosters active learning, improved understanding, and retention and development of lifelong learning skills Generic competencies—allows students to develop generic skills and attitudes desirable in their future practice

Advantages Integration—facilitates an integrated core curriculum Motivation—fun for students and tutors, and the process requires all students to be engaged in the learning process

Advantages “Deep” learning—fosters deep learning (students interact with learning materials, relate concepts to everyday activities, and improve their understanding) Constructivist approach—Students activate prior knowledge and build on existing conceptual knowledge frameworks

Why Group dynamics in ME? Unmotivated students Spoon-feeding More of passive learning

Limitations Inexperience of the teacher and learner hamper group process. Inadequate preparation and participation of all the members of the group. Frustrating when members  significantly different levels of knowledge & skill. Unpredictable in terms of outcomes ? Increases chances for interpersonal conflict?

Limitations Human resources—More staff have to take part in the tutoring process Other resources—Large numbers of students need access to the same library and computer resources simultaneously

Challenges Classroom layout : The spatial organization The desks together with the traditional teacher-fronted seating arrangement. The number of the students for a class Time constraint

Using Groups in Larger Classes Use well-defined activities with clearly stated objectives. Bring the class together for discussion and/or clarification at frequent intervals. Plan both group and individual assignments. Look for signs of behaviors that undermine group function. Use peer group facilitators.