Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
Human Services 245
HSER 245
Course Title
Group Counseling
Credits
3 Lecture
Date of Outline
October 25, 2005
2. Course Description
Provides theoretical and experiential training
in facilitating self-exploration and growth
groups. Designed to provide understanding
and experience in selecting group members,
establishing group norms and goals, setting
group climates, developing group activities,
promoting group and individual growth, and
making appropriate group interventions.
3. Contact Hours/Type
3 Lecture
4. Prerequisites
ENG 100 or placement at ENG 100;
HSER 140 or consent.
Corequisites
None
Recommended Preparation
None
Approved by _____________________________________ Date________________
5. General Course Objectives
To learn and apply basic counseling techniques in a group setting. To review
basic ethical and professional issues typically encountered by group leaders. To
consider issues of diversity as they apply to group settings. Attention will be
given to working with specific populations and common ethical issues facing
group counselors.
6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
a) Compare and contrast basic theories of group counseling.
b) Describe group dynamics, including the interactions of group members, the stages of
group development, and the impact of gender, cultural, and ability differences.
c) Reflect upon, discuss, and practice the microskills typical to competent group
facilitation.
d) Discuss various styles of and approaches to effective group leadership.
e) Describe the Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge (ASK) common to effective group
counselors.
f) Describe the qualities of an effective group counselor and compare and contrast to self
via self-assessment.
g) Describe the experience of participating in a group as both a group member and a group
leader as assessed through the process of group role-playing and classroom
participation.
h) Discuss ethical and diversity issues involved in conducting group sessions.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6, Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes.
2-4 Weeks:
Theoretical orientations to
group counseling (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h)
3-8 Weeks:
Group dynamics, stages,
interventions (b, c, d, e, f, g, h)
3-10 Weeks:
Microskill building (a, b, c, d, e, f, g,
h)
1-4 Weeks:
Ethical, diversity, and professional
issues (b, h, d, e, f)
8. Text and Materials
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered from
those then currently available in the field.
Examples:
Intentional Group Counseling: A Microskills Approach. Ivey, Ivey, Pedersen & Kuo. 2001.
Brooks/Cole.
Basic Counseling Responses in Groups. Haney & Leibsohn. 2001. Brooks/Cole.
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited
to:
Attendance and participation
Group and/or individual projects
Quizzes
Homework assignments
In class experiential exercises
10-25%
10-25%
20-50%
10-20%
5-15%
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary considerably with instructors, and specific instructional methods
will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Suggested techniques might
include, but are not limited to:
Written and oral examinations and quizzes
In-class exercises (role playing, etc.)
Homework assignments
Group and individual projects
Projects and research (written reports and/or oral class presentations)
Lecture
Class discussions
Guest lecturers
Audio, visual and internet presentations
Other techniques (Service Learning, Co-op, Self-paced, etc.)