ERIC Number: ED152604
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1977-Apr
Pages: 19
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Group Dynamics in an Intensive Small Group Laboratory in a Wilderness Setting.
Petrus, Eugene F.; And Others
This paper describes a group dynamics course designed to integrate academic and experiential learning. The technique used to accomplish this integration was a two week wilderness experience, followed by a seminar in group dynamics during the normal academic term. Four reasons for the wilderness experience are discussed: (1) shared experience among participants; (2) environmental contrast and the inducement of stress and conflict; (3) exposure of participants to varied research methods; and (4) personal growth through the medium of the group. The wilderness portion of the course created a kind of test tube situation by removing the individual from the normal protections of society and placing him in a small group to negotiate the wilderness. Success of the trip was dependent on each participant's ability to function within the small group. In the academic portion of the course, a systematic exposition of theoretical and practical aspects of group dynamics was covered in a seminar atmosphere. Three areas of concern to the instructors of the course included: the potential for physical and emotional disaster, readjustment to the academic and urban milieu, and the evaluation of participants. The paper includes some quotes from the student logs, a chart of the student activities, and the brief class syllabus. (Author/JK)
Descriptors: Academic Education, Adjustment (to Environment), Course Organization, Diaries, Discovery Learning, Educational Environment, Educational Innovation, Experiential Learning, Field Experience Programs, Group Behavior, Group Discussion, Group Dynamics, Group Experience, Higher Education, Individual Development, Integrated Activities, Observational Learning, Outdoor Education, Pass Fail Grading, Seminars, Small Group Instruction, Student Reaction, Teaching Methods
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Social Science Association (Dallas, Texas, March 31-April 2, 1977)