Teaching Group Work from an Ecological Perspective

An Effective Research Team Method to Influence Research and Scholarly Development

“…Conyne and Bemak (2004) observed that in task settings the ''ecologically centered group work leader must be concerned primarily with creating a dynamic, contextualized social system that is productive'' (p. 12). Professor Stockton clearly excelled in this arena and as such set in motion a design and structure for other counselor educators to emulate.…”

“…Stockton's unique and effective design and leadership of the research team can be understood as an example of the ecological perspective of group work described by Conyne and Bemak (2004). Within an ecological perspective, group leaders are encouraged to place priority on the interactions among group members as they work towards interconnected goals.…”

Using Voice, Meaning, Mutual Construction of Knowledge, and Transfer of Learning to Apply an Ecological Perspective to Group Work Training

“…The use of an ecological perspective in group work training ensures that leaders and members are aware of the diverse systems outside of the group that interact with group process (Conyne & Bemak, 2004). The Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) has set forth guidelines (ASGW, 1998a;ASGW, 1998b) that require group workers to be sensitive to the social, economic, and cultural perspectives of group work members.…”

“…Our intention is to illustrate through examples how to use these concepts to create the foundation in a group on which leaders can build the ecological perspective in teaching group work described by Conyne and Bemak (2004). The examples that we provide to support voice, meaning, mutual construction of knowledge, and transfer of learning are drawn from various points in a group work course to illustrate that leaders of a group work course should attend to these concepts throughout the life of group.…”

“…Conyne and Bemak (2004) described group cohesiveness as interconnectedness and highlighted its importance in establishing and maintaining an ecologically centered group: ''The key performance for an ecologically centered group work leader is to foster a web of interconnectedness among members that allows for a desired goal accomplishment' ' (p. 12).…”