ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
Social Work Practice with Groups: Theory & Research (848-01)
Spring 2013
Dr. Carol S Cohen
Course Description
This course expands students’ ability to think critically about this arena of practice and to develop and
consider researchable questions related to social work groups. It presents major critical group work theories
underlying approaches and models in a historical and contemporary context in order to broaden and deepen
the student’s connection with the empirical and theoretical base of social work with groups. The knowledge
base on social group dynamics, leadership, evaluation and assessment in social work groups is explored
through study and research in this area. In addition, the course promotes the ability to conduct research on
social group work in relation to populations-at-risk, cultural competence and international perspectives.
Learning Objectives
This course is designed for students to:
 Increase knowledge of the history and evolution of social work practice with groups
 Develop ability to identify, critically review and compare different models, theories and approaches
for working with social work groups
 Assess empirical evidence about the effectiveness of a range of group interventions, with particular
attention to populations-at-risk, cultural competence, international perspectives, group dynamics,
group development and leadership
 Build competence in evaluation, assessment, study of social work with groups through varying
research strategies
Required Text and Resources
Garvin, C., Galinsky, M.J.,& Gutierrez, L.M. (Eds.). (2004). Handbook of social work with
groups. New York: Guilford Press. (Note: The paperback edition is available on amazon.com and
from other dealers, at a cost of approx. $35.00.)
Required and recommended books, numerous articles, a bibliography, and other materials are available
through electronic resources, Swirbul Library, and/or on the Moodle site for this course.
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
1
Recommended Books
Relevant chapters can be found in the following texts and others, providing resources to supplement group
work research, analysis of practice models and approaches, and discussions of specialized groups:
Alissi, S.A. (Ed.). (1980). Perspectives on social group work practice: A book of readings. New York:
The Free Press
Bion, W.R. (1961). Experiences in groups and other papers. New York: Brunner-Routledge
Brandler, S. & Roman, C. P. (1999). Group work: Skills and strategies for effective interventions.
New York: Haworth Press.
Cohen, C.S., Phillips, M., Hanson, M., Editors. (2009). Strength and diversity in social work with
groups: Think group. NY: Routledge.
Gitterman, A. & Salmon, R. (Eds.) (2009). (Eds.). Encyclopedia of Social Work with Groups. NY:
Routledge.
Gitterman,A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.).(2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient populations and
the life cycle (3rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press.
Greif, G. L., & Ephross, P.H. (1997). Group work with populations at risk. New York: Oxford University
Press.
Harold, I., Kaplan, B.J., & Saddock, J. (Eds.) (1993). Comprehensive group psychotherapy (3rd ed.).
Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.
Hartford, M.E. (2002). Groups in social work: Application of small group theory and research to social
work practice. New York: Columbia University Press.
Kurland, R. & Salmon, R. (1998). Teaching a methods course in social work with groups. Alexandria, VA:
Council on Social Work Education.
Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (Eds.). (1995). Group work practice in a troubled society. New York:
Haworth Press.
Malekoff, A. (2004). Group work with adolescents: Principles and practice. (2nd ed.) New York:
The Guilford Press.
Middleman, R. R., & Wood, G.G. (1990). Skills for direct practice in social work. New York: Columbia
University Press.
Northern, H., & Kurland, R. (2001) Social work with groups. New York: Columbia U. Press
Olmstead, M.S. (1959) The small group. New York: Random House
Ormont, L.R. (1992). The group therapy experience: From theory to practice. New York: St. Martins Press.
Reid, K.E. (1997). Social work practice with groups: A clinical perspective. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brooks/Cole Publishing
Shaffer, J.B.P., & Galinsky, M.D. (1989). Models of group therapy (2nd ed.) Englewood Cliffs,
NJ: Prentice Hall.
Toseland, R.W.,& Rivas, R.F. (2005) An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education.
Yalom, I. D. & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. (5th Ed). NY: Basic
Books.
Zastrow, C. (2001). Social work with groups (5th ed.). Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
Journals Specializing in Group Work
Groupwork
Small Group Research
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
Social Work with Groups
2
Expectations of Students
This course employs a seminar format. Students are expected to:
 Attend all classes and arrive and leave on schedule.
 Complete all reading, written and oral assignments in a scholarly manner
 Take an active role in class discussions and presentations
Assignments/Evaluation Criteria
Final grade will be calculated as follows:
 Presentation of research on a model of social group work 20%
It is anticipated that small group presentations will take place during Sessions 9-12 (3/27, 4/3, 4/17,
4/24/13)
 Final paper 70% (A scholarly paper; topic developed in consultation with the instructor)
Abstract/Proposal for Final Paper due on or before 2/13/13
Final Paper due by on or before 5/15/13
 Participation 10%
Grading equivalence: A=93 and above; A-= 90-92; B+= 87-89; B=83-86; B-= 80-82; C+ = 77-79; C=73-76;
C-=70-72; F=below 70.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when one does not give credit to another author's or authors' ideas. It includes lifting
sentences and/or paragraphs from a book, journal article, printed report, or the Internet, using someone else's
papers and failing to acknowledge the ideas of another person, which are paraphrased. It is a serious offense
and the penalty can range from failure for the assignment, or course, to dismissal from the program. Please
see Doctoral Student Handbook.
An Engaged Learning Environment
Students can expect an engaged learning environment that is accessible to all individuals no matter their
learning needs and talents. If you have a disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned
coursework, you are encouraged to contact the staff at the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS),
located in Room 310 of the University Center, 516-877-3145, DSS@adelphi.edu. The staff will review your
concerns and determine, with you, appropriate and necessary accommodations. All information and
documentation of disability are confidential. If English is not your first language, please notify the instructor
and the beginning of the semester.
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
3
Course Plan
SESSIONS 1 & 2: Overview of course: Summary of group fundamentals
 Historical roots and evolution of social work practice in groups, theories & models and approaches
 Comparison with individual, family, organization and community theories and models of practice and
models
 Ethics and values in group work
 Preparation for student presentations on group theories, models and approaches
Required reading
AASWG.(2005). AASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups. Association for the
Advancement of Social Work Practice with Groups, Inc., An International Professional Organization.
Available at: www.aaswg.org. (http://www.aaswg.org/webfm_send/4)
Gitterman, A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.)(2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient
populations and the life cycle (3rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press.
(Chapter 22, Contemporary Group Work Practice, Panda).
Macgowan, M.J. (2008). A guide to evidence-based group work. (Chapter 1: Introduction to
evidence-based group work, pp 3-20). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Northern, H. (2004). Ethics and values in group work. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M.
Gutierrez (Eds.).Handbook of social work with groups (pp.76-90). NY: Guilford Press.
Papell, C. (2007). More than sixty years with social group work: Personal and professional
history. Presentation at the Adelphi University School of Social Work.
Papell, C., & Rothman, B. (1966) Social group work models: Possession and heritage. Journal
of Education for Social Work, 2, 2, 66-77
Schwartz, W. (2005). (Originally published in 1983). The group work tradition and social work
practice. Social Work with Groups, 28 (3/4), 69-89.
Recommended reading:
Bernstein, S., Coyle G.L., Hendry, C.E. & Kaiser, C.A. (1940). Group work roots and
branches. New York: Social Work Today.
Gumpert, J. & Black, P.N. (2006). Ethical issues in group work: What are they? How are they
managed? Social Work with Groups, 29 (4). 61-74.
Kurland, R. (2007). Debunking the “blood theory” of social work with groups: Group workers
are made and not born. Social Work with Groups. 30 (1). 11-24.
Lang. N.C. (2004). Concurrent interventions in multiple domains: The essence of social work
with groups. Social Work with Groups, 27 (1). 35-51.
Newmann, E.W. (2000). Pearls in the muck. Social Work with Groups, 23 (3). 19-36.
Reid, K.E. (1997). Social work practice with groups: A clinical perspective. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brooks/Cole Publishing, pp. 19-37 (Chapter 2. A historical context).
Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education. (Chapter 2, The special value of social group work:
Implications for intervention).
SESSIONS 3 & 4: Group dynamics: Related theories and research
 Overview of universal dynamics of group work
 Decision making
 Outcome achievement
 Cohesion
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
4



Roles
Stages
Leadership and membership
Required reading;
Bargal, D. (2004). Groups for reducing intergroup conflict. In C. Garvin., M. J. Galinsky,
& L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 292-306). New
York: Guilford Press.
Bartone, A., Rosenwald, M. & Bronstein, L. (2008). Examining the structure and dynamics of
kinship care groups. Social Work With Groups. 31 (3). 223-237.
Berman-Rossi, Toby (1993). The tasks and skills of the social worker across stages of group
development. Social Work with Groups, 16C (1/2), 69 - 82.
Birnbaum, M.L. & Cicchetti (2005). A model for working with the group life cycle in
each group session across the life span of the group. Groupwork, 15 (3). 23-43.
Dylan, A. (2009). Mutual Empathy: A means of imporving the quality of emergency health care
services rendered to marginalized, addicted individuals. In: C. S. Cohen, M. Phillips & M. Hanson
(Eds.), Strength and diversity in social work with groups: Think group (pp.55-68). NY: Routledge.
Garland, J., Jones, H., & Kolodny, R. (1973). A model for stages of development in social work
groups. In: S. Bernstein (Ed.), Explorations in group work (pp.17-71). Boston: Milford House.
Lindsay, J.R., Valérie, M-L., Turcotte, D. & Genest-Dufault, S. (2008)'. The emergence and the
effects of therapeutic factors in groups. Social Work With Groups.31, (3). 255-271.
Macgowan, M.J. (2003). Increasing engagement in groups: A measurement based approach. Social Work
with Groups, 26, 1, 5-28.
Macgawon, M.J. (1997) A measure of engagement for social group work: The group engagement
Measure. Journal of Social Service Research, 23, (pp. 17-37).
Toseland, R.W., Jones, L.V., & Gelles, Z.D. (2004). Group dynamics. In C. Garvin, M. J.
Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups (pp.13-31).
New York: Guilford Press.
Schiller, L.Y. (2007). Not for women only: Applying the relational model of group development
with vulnerable populations. Social Work with Groups, 30 (2). 11-26.
Recommended reading:
Birnbaum, M.L. Mason, S.E. & Cicchetti. A. (2002). Impact of purposeful sessional endings on
both the group and the practitioner. Social Work with Groups. 25 (4). 3-19.
Gitterman,A., & Shulman, L. (Eds.). (2006). Mutual aid groups: Vulnerable and resilient
populations and the life cycle (3rd ed.), New York: Columbia University Press.
(Chapter 2, Group work method, Shulman).
Hartford, M.E. (2002). Groups in social work: Application of small group theory and research
to social work practice. New York: Columbia University Press.
Kacen, L., & Rozovski, U. (1998). Assessing group processes: A comparison among group
participants, direct observers, and indirect observers assessment. Small Group Research, 29, 2, 17989.
Macgowan, M.J. & Vakharia, S.P. (2012) Teaching Standards-Based Group Work Competencies to Social
Work Students: An Empirical Examination. Research on Social Work Practice 22(4) 380-388
Macgowan, M.J. (2012) A Standards-Based Inventory of Foundation Competencies in Social Work with
Groups. Research on Social Work Practice 22(5). 578-589
Northen, H. & Kurland, R. (2001). Group development. In: Social work with groups, 3rd ed.
(pp. 44-54). New York: Columbia University Press.
Leitz, C.A. (2007). Strengths-based group practice: Three case studies. Social Work with Groups, 30 (2). 73SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
5
87.
Letendre, J. (2007). Take your time and give it more: Supports and constraints to success in
curricular school-based groups. Social Work with Groups. 30 (3). 65-84.
Malekoff, A. (2007). A flexible organizing framework for group work with adolescents. Social
Work with Groups. 30 (3). 85-102.
Schiller, L. (1995). Stages of development in women's groups: a relational model. In R. Kurland & R.
Salmon (Eds.), Group work practice in a troubled society, (pp. 117 - 138). New
York: Haworth Press.
SESSIONS 5, 6 & 7: Research, assessment and evaluation of groups
 Identifying and studying group processes
 Individual member goals and objectives
 Group purpose and outcome achievement
 Research strategies and methods
Required reading:
Brown, A., Arndt, R., & Kellerhagen, A. (2004). Very good solutions really do exist for group work research
design problems. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work
with groups (pp. 435-446). New York: Guilford Press.
Clemans, S.E. (2004). Recognizing vicarious traumatization: A single session group model for
trauma workers. Social Work with Groups, 27 (2/3). 55-74.
Dennison, S. (2008). Measuring the treatment outcome of short-term school-based social skills
groups. Social Work With Groups. 31, (3). 307-328.
Gant, L.M. (2004). Evaluation of group work. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez
(Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups. New York: Guilford Press.
Gilroy, C., & Johnson, P. (2004). Listening to the language of children’s grief. Groupwork, 14, 3, 91-111.
Israms, R. (2004). Measurement issues. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook
of social work with groups (pp. 447-460). New York: Guilford Press.
Macgowan, M.J. (2008). A guide to evidence-based group work. (Chapter 4: Undertake a
critical review of the evidence: Evaluate its rigor, impact, and applicability, pp.78-167 & Chapter 5:
Apply the evidence and evaluate the achievement of desired outcomes, pp 168-186). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Preston-Shoot, M. (2004). Evidence: The final frontier? Star Trek, groupwork and the mission of change.
Groupwork 14, 3. 18-43.
Schulz, A., Israeli, B., & Lantz, P. (2004). Assessing and strengthening characteristics of effective groups in
community based participatory research partnerships. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M.
Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 309-326). New York: Guilford Press
Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education. (Chapter 8, Evaluation and students’ social work practice with groups).
Recommended reading:
Adams, J. (2004). Participant focused questionnaires. Group Work, 14, 3. 11-17.
Burlingame, G., Fuhriman, A., & Mosier, J. (2003). The differential effectiveness of group
psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective. Group Dynamics, 7,1-12.
Doel, M. & Sawdon, C. (1999). The essential groupworker. London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishers, Ltd. (Chapter 12, Recording and Evaluating Groupwork).
Donaldson, L.P. (2004). Toward validating the therapeutic benefits of empowerment-oriented
social action groups. Social Work with Groups, 27 (2/3). 159-174.
Northern, H., & Kurland, R. (2001) Social work with groups. New York: Columbia
University Press, pp. 435-448 (Chapter 16. Evaluation).
Olmstead, M.S. (1959). The small group. New York: Random House
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
6
Mason, S. & Vasquez, D. (2007). Making positive changes: A psycoeducatinal group for parents with
HIV/AIDS. Social Work with Groups. 30(2). 27-40.
Page, A., & Hooke, G. R. (2003). Outcomes for depressed and anxious inpatients discharged before or after
group cognitive behavior therapy: A naturalistic comparison. The Journal of Nervous and Mental
Disease, 191, 10, 653-659.
Pritchard, D. (2004). Critical incident stress and secondary trauma: An analysis of group process.
Groupwork, 14, 3. 44-62.
Toseland, R.W., & Rivas, R. F. (2005) An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon,
(Chapters 8 & 13).
Tropman, J. E. (2004). An ecological systems perspective. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez
(Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York: Guilford Press.
Yates, J. (2004). Evidence, effectiveness and groupwork developments in youth justice.
Groupwork, 14, 3, 112-132.
SESSION 8: Organizational and environmental considerations in social work with groups
 Impact of organizational culture on group formation
 Collaborative approaches
 Environments for group work practice
 Evaluation of environmental context
Required Reading:
Cohen, C.S., Phillips, M.H. & Chierchio, M. (2001). How are we doing? Agency/university
collaboration for outcome assessment. Advances in Social Work Practice. 2, 1, 12-25.
Cohen, C. S. (1995). Making it happen: From great idea to successful support group program.
Social Work with Groups. 18,1, 67-80. Also published as a Book Chapter in: M..J. Galinsky & J.H.
Schopler (Eds.). (1995). Support Groups: Current Perspectives on Theory and Practice. Binghamton,
N.Y.: Haworth Press.
Rooney (2004). Involuntary groups. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.), Handbook of
social work with groups. New York: Guilford Press.
Salmon, R. & Kurland, R. (2009). Caught in the doorway between education and practice:
Group work’s battle for survival. In: C. S. Cohen, M. Phillips & M. Hanson (Eds.),
Strength and diversity in social work with groups: Think group (pp.55-68). NY: Routledge.
Recommended Reading:
Cohen, M.B. (1994). Overcoming obstacles to forming empowerment groups: A consumer
advisory board for homeless clients. Social Work, 39(6). 742-746.
Gutierrez, L., GlenMaye, L., DeLois, K. (1995). The organizational context of empowerment
practice: Implications for social work administration Social Work 40, 2, 249-248.
Hartman, A. (1993). The professional is political. Social Work, 38 (4), 365-366, 504.
Healy, K. (2004). Social workers in the new human services marketplace: Trends, challenges and
responses. Australian Social Work, 57 (2), 103-114.
Hopkins, K. (2002). Organizational citizenship in social service agencies. Administration in
Social Work, 26(2), 1-15.
Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education. (Chapter 3, Preparations for arranging and supervising a group work
assignment).
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
7
SESSIONS 9-12: Social group work theories, models and approaches
Student Presentations
Students will be presenting an overview of a social group work approach or model to the class, in group
presentations of 2-3 members. Presentations will outline and discuss the basic assumptions of the approach,
its rationale and methods and the theory underlying the approach or model, including how this theory
evolved from practice. Students will present relevant research that provides the ability to compare and
contrast strengths and weaknesses of the approach. Presenters will provide class members with outlines and
complete references in APA style. Suggested readings will be provided by the students and by the instructor.
Presentations will be from the following topics below, and an alternative group approach may be selected
with permission of the instructor:
Cognitive Behavioral
Developmental
Empowerment
Feminist
Humanistic
Membership
Multi-Family
Mutual Aid
Problem Solving
Psychodrama
Psychoanalytic
Psycho-educational
Reciprocal
Self Help
Social Action
Social Goals
Systems
Task
Required reading:
Alissi, A.S. (1980). Comparative group methods. In A. S. Alissi (Ed.), Perspectives on social group work
practice: A book of readings ( pp.341-377). New York: The Free Press.
Saulnier, C.F. (2000). Incorporating feminist theory into social work practice: Group work examples. Social
Work with Groups, 23 (1). 5-29.
Staples, L. (2009). In praise of community organizers. Social Work with Groups, 32 (4). 270273.
Trevithick, P. (2005). The knowledge base of groupwork and its importance within social work.
Groupwork, 15, 280-107.
Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education. (Chapter 4, Types and models of group work practice).
SESSION 13: Cross-cultural and cross-national considerations in social work with groups
 Cultural diversity and intra-group dynamics and relationships
 Inter-group activities and relationships
 Organizational and community context for cross-cultural exchange
 International initiatives in global group work practice essentials
Required reading:
Chan, S.M. & O'Connor, D.L (2008) Finding a voice: The experiences of Chinese family
members participating in family support groups. Social Work With Groups. 31 (2). 117-135.
Cohen, C.S., Doel, M., Wilson, M., Quirke, D., Ring, K..A., Abbas, S.R (2012), Global group work: Honouring
processes and outcomes. Groupwork (Also published as a book chapter in: A. Begart, S. Simon & M.
Doel, (Eds.), Honoring our roots, Nurturing our growth, (pp. 107-127). London, England: Whiting &
Birch Ltd.), 22 (1).
Cohen, C. S. (1997). The impact of culture in social work practice with groups: The grandmothers as
mothers again case study. In: E.P. Congress (Ed). Multicultural perspectives in working with
families. New York: Springer Publishing Co. pp.311-331.
Forgey, M.A., Cohen, C.S. & Chazin, R. (2003). Surviving translation: Teaching the essentials of
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
8
foundation social work practice in Vietnam. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 23 (1/2). 147-166.
Hyde, C.A. (2004). Multicultural development in human services agencies: Challenges and
solutions. Social Work. 49, 1, 7-16.
Mayadas, N.S., Smith, R. & Elliot, D. (2004). Social group work in a global context. In C. Garvin, M. J.
Galinsky, & L. M. Gutierrez (Eds.),Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York:
Guilford Press.
Recommended reading:
Chazin, R., Hanson, M., Cohen, C.S. & Grishayeva, I. (2002). Sharing knowledge and skills:
Learning from training school-based practitioners in Ukraine. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 22
(3/4). 89-101.
Doel, M. & Sawdon, C. (1999). The essential groupworker. London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishers, Ltd. (Chapter 3, Power and oppression in group work).
Galper, J. (1970). Nonverbal communication exercises in groups. Social Work, April. 71-78.
Gifford, C.G. (1968). Sensitivity training and social work. Social Work, April. 78-86.
Hartford, M. (1971). Groups in social work. New York: Columbia University Press. (Chapter
10, Group influence and control and the evolution of group culture.)
Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (1995). Using group work skills to promotes cultural sensitivity
among social work students. In R. Kurland & R. Salmon (Eds.), Group work practice in
a troubled society (pp 73-88). New York: Haworth Press.
Schulz, A.J., Israel B.A., & Lantz, P. (2004). Assessing and strengthening characteristics of effective groups
in community-based participatory research partnerships. In C. Garvin, M. J. Galinsky, & L. M.
Gutierrez (Eds.),Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 32-44). New York: Guilford Press.
Toseland, R.W. & McClive-Reed, K.P. (2008). Social group work: International and global
perspectives. Social Work with Groups, 32. 5-13.
Toseland, R.W., & Rivas, R.F. (2005). An introduction to group work practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, pp.
128-149 (Chapter 5. Leadership and diversity).
SESSION 14: Teaching and training in social work with groups
 Evolution of teaching group work practice in classroom and field
 Generalist and specific approaches
 Training opportunities
 Teaching and training strategies and methods
 Standards of Practice in Social Work with Groups
Required reading:
Clements, J. (2008) Social work students' perceived knowledge of and preparation for group work practice.
Social Work With Groups.31, (3). 329- 346.
Cohen, C.S. & Olshever, A (2013), (In Press) IASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups:
Development, application and evolution. Social Work with Groups, 36 (2/3).
Cohen, C.S. & Wayne, J. (2009). Field education. In: R. Salmon & A. Gitterman, Eds. Encyclopedia of
Social Group Work. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
Doel, M. (2009). Assessing skills in groupwork: A program of continuing professional
development. In: C. S. Cohen, M. Phillips & M. Hanson (Eds.), Strength and diversity in
social work with groups: Think group (pp.55-68). NY: Routledge.
Graziano, R., Salmon, R. & Berman, E.S. (2002) Using a group work approach to develop the potential of
students in a non-traditional MSW work-study program. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 22
(3/4). 71-88.
Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (1998). Teaching a methods course in social work with groups. Alexandria, VA:
Council on Social Work Education. (Chapter 1, Launching the course, Chapter 11, Group work
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
9
versus casework in the group & Appendix B, Issues confronting group work).
Recommended reading:
Bernstein, Saul B. (1993) What happened to self determination? Social Work with Groups,
16 (1/2), 3 - 15.
Birnbaum, M., & Wayne, J. (2000). Group work content in foundation generalist education: The
necessity for change. Journal of Social work Education, 36, 347-356.
Boehm, W.W. (1959). Objectives of the social work curriculum of the future. Volume I: The
Comprehensive Report of the Curriculum Study. New York: Council on Social Work Education.
Cohen, C.S., Macgowan, M., Garvin, C. & Muskat, B., Editors (2013 In Press). Social Work with Groups Special
Issue: The AASWG Standards for Social Work with Groups. 36, (2/3).
Cohen, C. S. (1998). Building field instructor’s skills in planning and supervising group
assignments. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 16 (2), 99-114.
Knight, C. (1997). A study of MSW and BSW students’ involvement with group work in the
field practicum. Social Work with Groups, 20, 2 31-49.
MacGowan, J.J. Beaulauier, R.L. (2005). Using qualitative data analysis software in teaching
about group work practice. Journal of Teaching in Social Work. 25 (1/2). 45-56.
Strozier, A.L. (1997). Group work in social work education: What is being taught? Social Work
with Groups, 20 (1). 65-77.
Tropp, E. (1978). Whatever happened to group work? Social Work with Groups, 1 (1), 85-94.
Wayne, J., & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group work education in the field. Alexandria, VA: Council
on Social Work Education. (Chapter 5, Education for practice informed by theory & Chapter 6,
Understanding the student: Frameworks for assessment).
SESSION 15: Planning future research and ending of the course (final paper due)
 Evaluation of group presentations and recap of models and theories
 Evaluation of individual and collective goal achievement in the course
 Closure and planning next steps
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
10
OUTLINE FOR PRESENTATIONS*
Model of Practice with Groups: _________________ Date of Presentation: _______________
Presenters: _____________________________________________________________________
1. Theoretical Underpinning of Model:
Brief history and developmental process of model.
What theories and/or frameworks is it built on?
2. Evidence-Based Literature:
To what extent, and what is the evidence for this model’s effectiveness?
Where can one generally find the literature and what does it cover?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the empirical evidence?
Note: Provide citations for 3 seminal/significant readings, with brief, one sentence description.
3. Agency/Social Context:
To what extent are influences from the larger agency environment and social environment that impact on
clients and the work considered in this model? What are the common environments for this approach?
4. Client Need(s):
What are the predominant client/potential member needs that this model is generally associated with?
5. Group Purpose:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards group purpose?
Generally, purpose is defined as the ends toward which the group is formed, including outcomes and
objectives the group will pursue collectively (the group purpose) and the hopes, expectations/ and objectives
that each member holds for the group (individual goals) – What are common purposes of this approach?
6. Group Composition:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards group composition (who should be part of the group),
including both the choices around membership and leadership?
7. Group Structure:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards group structure?
8. Group Content:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards group content?
9. Formation Strategy:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards group formation?
10. Evaluation and Research Strategy:
Is there a particular orientation of the model towards evaluation and intervention research?
*This format is adapted from: Wayne, J. & Cohen, C.S. (2001). Group Work Education in the Field. Alexandria, Va.: Council on
Social Work Education, 110-111
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
11
FINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT
Abstract/Proposal for Final Paper due on or before 2/13/13
Final Paper due on or before 5/15/13
Preliminary Abstract:
The one-two page (300-400 words, not counting references), statement of topic and research plan should
include:
a. Introduction, stating why you believe this topic about social work with groups is important and of
interest to the profession, and what is unique about your approach.
b. Statement about what you are going to accomplish in the paper, i.e., what a reader can look
forward to learning about the topic.
c. Method(s) proposed for researching the topic. For example, are you proposing a literature review,
program evaluation, quantitative or qualitative survey, case study approach, etc.
Final Paper:
Select an area of social work practice with groups that is of special interest to you. This can be about group
work practice with a special population, and/or it can be about group work practice in relation to a problem
area or concern, and/or it can be a report of a evaluation or research of a particular group intervention, and/or
employ another area of research or scholarly inquiry on social work with groups. The most important thing
to bear in mind that this is a paper about social work with groups, and to focus the majority of the paper on
this aspect.
Your paper should meet the standards of a submission to a scholarly journal in social work. It may be
helpful to consult the journals listed in the syllabus for the range, forms and content of such articles.
Generally, effective scholarly papers include a brief literature review, theoretical grounding, and report the
methods used in research. Depending on the methods used, papers include findings and analyses, and
implications for practice, teaching and further research.
Your paper must be double-spaced, with 12 point font, 1” margins, and follow APA style. The text of the
paper (not counting title and reference pages) should be between 17-20 pages. Guidance on APA style is
available at: www.knightcite.com & http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
SW 848 – Spring 2013– Dr. Carol S. Cohen
12