Group Process - Cole's 7 Steps

1 - Introduction

• Leader introduces the group name, purpose and general expectations with brief outline

• Introductions as needed

• Warm up activity - usually designed to prepare participants to participate in the activity of the day

  • These steps are repeated in every group, though they may change according to the kind of group or the members

  • It is good to build in ways to help people remember names and each other 

  • This sets the mood for the group!

2 - Activity

• The primary method, mode to meet the goals for that days groups

  • Activity analysis - plan for a just right challenge

  • Consider the amount of time allotted when planning

3 - Sharing

• The process of considering the end product. If each person is doing something on their own, they might display it to other group members, or everyone steps back to consider the work they did

  • The process for sharing is largely dependent on the activity

4 - Processing

• Members are given the opportunity (encouraged to!) speak about their experience with the group activity 

  • This is primarily feelings based - and provides insight into some of the participant’s behaviors

  • Often skipped by new group leaders but very important

5 - Generalizing

• The leader considers the participation and responses of the group members and pulls together some general take aways 

  • If the group goes as planned, this will reflect the goals

6 - Application

• Takes the key concept from the summary (generalizing), and helps the members apply them to their lives

  • Can have participants speak individually, or think, pair, share. (how you do this is planned)

7 - Summary/Wrap Up