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Northland College

Department of Outdoor Education

OED 221 Group Process and Communication

Syllabus

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  - Margaret Mead

Course Links:
Group Process Summary
Team Member Evaluation
Individual Writing Assignments for OED 221 
Group Development: A Review of the Literature and a Commentary of Future Research Directions, By George Smith. 
Originally published in the journal Group Facilitation, Spring, 2001. 
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3954/is_200104/ai_n8943660
Reconsidering Group Process in Challenge Education: Paradigmatic ShiftsDr. Don DeGraaf University of Northern Iowa and Dr. Jeff Ashby,
University of Northern Iowa

http://www.indiana.edu/~outdoor/bponline/bp1996/bp96degr.doc

I. Course Information 

Course: OED 221 Group Process and Communication

Semester: Fall 2005

Class Hours:  Tuesdays, 10:30-1:30;  Thursdays, 11:30-2:30

Credits: 3 credits

Fee: $5.00

Texts:  Endurance by Alfred Lansing;  Shackleton’s Way  by Morrell and Capparell; Facilitation at a Glance, by GOAL/QPC;
The AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership, by Kosseff

Deadlines: 

Last day to add courses with faculty approval................................................ September 16

Last day to drop courses without record ........................................................September 16

Last day to withdraw from full-term courses.................................................... November 4

Instructor: Paul Van Horn

Office: Wheeler Hall 313

Office Hours: 

Phone: 682-1324

E-mail: pvanhorn@northland.edu 

II. Course Description:

This course gives students a broad theoretical and experiential background in group process. Skills include group communications,
problem solving, team building, leadership, and conflict resolution.  Students design and practice a variety of group experiences.

III. Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the importance of quality communication in outdoor education settings

• Explain the importance of understanding the group process in outdoor education settings

• Describe and model the elements of effective interpersonal communication

• Explain and model the concept of multisensory learning

• Explain the impacts of culture and gender on communication

• Explain the concept of a “group”

• List and Explain the primary phases of group development

• Explain and demonstrate positive group norms and behaviors

• Explain, and provide examples of, negative group norms and behaviors

• List and Discuss the various roles of individuals in a group

• Explain the unique group dynamics of outdoor experiences

• Explain and demonstrate the elements of effective leadership

• Describe the role of the leader in group development

• Describe and model effective methods of conflict resolution

• Describe and model effective methods of problem solving

• Facilitate an effective evaluation and feedback session

• Evaluate the roles of communication and group process in the success or failure of a historic outdoor experience.

• Facilitate an activity designed to create, nurture or influence a certain aspect of group dynamics

III. Class Schedule

 *Please note that this schedule of class topics and dates is tentative, and subject to change! Additionally, there will
be in-class handouts, video material, and other resources that are not listed on this syllabus.  If you miss a class, be
sure you get this information from me, or a peer.   

V.  Evaluation:

Grades will be based on your performance in these areas:

1. Attendance and participation (20%)(see below)

2. Exams: Midterm (20%) and Final (20%)

3. Facilitated Experience and Write ups (20%)

4. Quizzes and writings (20%)

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A 100% - 95%  A- 94% - 90% B+ 89% - 87% B 86% - 84% B- 83% - 80% C+ 79% - 77% 

C 76% - 74% C- 73% - 70%  D+ 69% - 65%  D 64% - 60%  F 59% - less

VI.  Attendance: 

Attendance and punctuality to each class is expected. Unjustified absences will affect your final grade. One third (1/3) of a letter
grade will be deducted from your final grade (to a maximum of 20% off) for each unjustified absence or pattern of tardiness to class
(i.e., two or more late arrivals to class).

Example: Final Grade A

1 absence A-

2 absences B+

3 absences B

etc... 

You must justify your absence by calling my office before 8:30 on the day of the missing class. If you miss class, I expect you
to seek me or your peers to review what has been discussed or presented in class. 

VII.  Professional Recommendation:

If you would like to receive a letter of recommendation for employment or graduate work based on your participation in this class
you should consider the following: Be punctual and prepare for class by doing all your required readings. Actively participate in
class discussions and exercises. Take initiative, do extra readings to explore your interest in group process, and help teach others
by holding study sessions. Be a critical thinker; ask questions, challenge assumptions. Turn in your assignments on time. Be
polite, professional and courteous.

VIII.  Academic Assistance:

Students in need of academic or medical accommodation should contact Judi Holevatz, R.N., Disabilities Coordinator,
@ ext. 1340, Rm. 206 of the Ponzio Center.