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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)
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)