Learning Expectations

T-group learning is emergent and self-referential — specific learning depends on what emerges in the T-group and on what each individual brings to the situation.

The same is true for facilitator development. Your specific learning will depend greatly on what happens in your student and trainee T-groups and on your own learning “edges.” However, there are common topics and themes that most trainees take away from the program:

The Dynamics of Interpersonal Processes

  • How interpersonal learning occurs
  • How to engage in more direct, authentic interaction with others
  • How to be more congruent in one’s verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Distinguish which behaviors build or erode trust and safety
  • Understand the conditions under which people can learn from their interactions with others

The Dynamics of Process Groups

The stages of group development, emergence and modification of norms, various forms of influence, and functional/dysfunctional group dynamics.

The Dynamics of Diversity and Difference

Our students are very diverse and that diversity is a resource to be mined. In this and subsequent programs, you will learn how to name the differences in the room, and create curiosity and safety for the exploration of difference, as opposed to silence and avoidance of the topic.

Facilitation Skills

The program is designed to help participants develop a range of facilitation skills that include how to effectively intervene at the group, interpersonal and individual levels. In addition, we will focus on how to facilitate the building of a cohesive group with the appropriate learning norms; and how to help students develop the awareness and capacity to apply the skills in their professional and personal lives. Most importantly, one learns that the best “facilitation” is less about using a set of tools and more about the effective “use of one’s self”.

About Your Own Style

Since our effectiveness is as much dependent on our own style as on any technical skills, there will be the opportunity to see what we do that is useful and what we do that gets in our way. From a number of sources, learning how our behaviors impact others; ways to expand our repertoire to include new ways of interacting.