The success of any group activity is based on the trust built among group members. This is why Corey states that “If we trust in the group process...and have faith in the members’ capacity to make significant changes...they are likely to see the value in their group as a pathway to personal growth. If we are genuinely willing to engage...we will foster honesty and disclosure among members” (Corey, 2016, pg.187). It is true as explored by Corey that a group that trusts each other is not only able to achieve its goal but also helps in increasing individuals' personal growth.
I agree that cohesion is a result of trust in the group setting. It entails working in harmony, this means that all individuals ought to be committed and willing to make the group achieve its goals and objectives. Once trust in the group builds, it is thus easy to attain cohesion in the group. The process of building trust amongst group members requires every individual's input. This is why group members are all actively involved in particular tasks. In this, the zoom class activity for each group to create answers to two questions was a great way to build trust in groups. This is because all members actively participated in providing the answers then assigned one of their members to explain both answers in seven minutes. In our group of four, I realized that everybody was ready to take up the task of being the one to explain the answers. This means that all group members are equally willing to contribute to the success of the group activity. I also realized that a group joins effort to provide the necessary energy and motivation to complete assigned tasks in a limited time.
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Icebreakers are activities that are vital and important in team building (Heathfield, 2020). In our group of four members, the two questions we chose were to identify the strengths that each of us had and to identify the long-term goal. These questions were a challenge to each of us and we all worked towards identifying what each group member was good at. To reach this point every individual gave an account of activities he or she has done best and those that they enjoy. After identifying everyone’s strengths we went ahead to state each person’s long-term goal. We discussed these goals and even reached to a point of visualizing how life would be if each of us achieved the goal. This process was very special for me. My group members felt like a special group of individuals. By the end of this activity, there was the zeal in each of us to work together to achieve our goals.
The ice breaker activity entailed the use of a therapy ball that was filled with questions on it. The ball was to be thrown from one individual to another. Whoever catches the ball must answer the question his right thumb lands. This activity is effective for individuals above the age of sixteen. This is because it is not just a game but a way to bond in a fun way. My group was highly pleased by the game; it captured our attention immediately as it incorporates physical activity and group cohesion. The questions written on the therapy ball were short and precise. For example: Do you believe in teamwork explain why if you do. Explain how working as a team helps sharpen your skills. What are your personal goals? I think the game was essential in helping group members learn more about each other. The ranges of questions were also random like; what is your hobby? The participation in the icebreaker activity created a connection among group members. It helped create a framework of friendship as the individuals enjoyed the whole game. This activity allowed group members to view each other from the perspective that they can achieve anything together as a group. Before the game began, we all wondered what questions it would entail and there was the uncertainty of whether we could answer them. However, the activity made the group become livelier and achieved cohesion at the end of it.
The advantage of using this activity is that it cuts across all multicultural settings. It thus embraces a heterogeneous group where each individual’s values and identity are not ridiculed. The activity thus promotes particular lessons that are vital for every group. I think it brings out the idea that group members should work together respectfully. All members should get to know the values and principles of each person before making any judgments. The icebreaking activity help create an informal environment that is friendly where learning would take place. After the ice-breaking activities, the tension in our group was over as there was laughter during the activity. Such activities are vital in enhancing honest communication amongst group members. Moreover, they help each individual in the process of self-discovery and encourage self-disclosure ( Osiceanu, 4) . Attaining self-confidence is important as group members acquire the ability to believe in themselves enough to show their abilities to other group members.
Building trust is important for an existing group or a new one. This is why group activities are essential as they help build trust and cohesion. The activities to build trust in the group are effective as I can tell through the interaction in my group that there is more positive energy to work together. If group members trust each other they have confidence that they would succeed together. These activities help create groups based on friendliness lead to the achievement of goals and objectives. Groups help promote teamwork which I believe are necessary even in the future. Our group particularly enjoyed the icebreaking activity and became more connected with each other.
I think the use of a therapy ball with questions as an icebreaking activity is most efficient as it can be used by any kind of people. For example, it can be used by educational groups and counseling groups also. I consider it as a kind of group therapy that aims to emphasize positivity amongst group members. Having a good attitude and perception of each other is important in ensuring the group members treat each other in equal measures of respect.
I believe that assigning group activities and ensuring trust is built among members does improve the learning ability of students. Through the course, I have realized that working as a group is an efficient method for individuals to understand concepts that they find difficult by themselves. However, to ensure effectiveness in groups there is the need to build trust among group members. Building trust results in a cohesive group that is guided by each individual's goals and desire to succeed.
References
Corey, G. (2016). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy . Cengage Learning.
Heathfield, S. (2020).What is an Ice Breaker? Human Resource
Osiceanu, M. (2019). The importance of personal development and group cohesion within young learners classroom. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.08.03.131
