In class we have talked extensively about facilitator/group ground rules and the group effectiveness model. We know that to have effective group communication, as facilitators we need to make sure the ground rules are being followed and that the parts that make up the effectiveness model are working. In order to accomplish this goal, we studied the diagnostic-intervention cycle and worked through as a class and in a practice session how to identify or diagnose when ground rules are being broken, how to decide whether, when and how to intervene and then various approaches to intervention, including some easy opening lines that gain you entry into fixing the group discussion.

For this assignment, I want you to continue your focus on the D-I cycle as it's one of the most critical portions of the facilitation process. You are to:

1) arrange a situation where you can facilitate a short, small group discussion with the goal of practicing at least two intervention strategies. This can be a discussion among friends about a set topic (topic does not have to be political) or volunteer to facilitate a discussion of a formal group (e.g., a workgroup) that you participate in. My suggestion for your learning is that the more formal the better, but it isn't a requirement.

2) In this small group discussion, find at least two points where you decide you should intervene and make an intervention.

3) In an essay of no more than 4 pages, outline your work through the D-I cycle in both of these situations. You can do this in essay format or by providing me with a left (right) hand column worksheet with an abbreviated or summarized statements by the group participants and you in one column and your thoughts and justifications in the other. I'm flexible in the format.