encyclopedia

The New Encyclopedia of Group Activities

by Lorraine L. Ukens

Helping groups become their most effective and productive is a major task for any group leader. To this end, it is important to immerse group members in active learning experiences that focus on working together to accomplish goals and objectives. In this way, the group members will learn to draw on their personal insights and integrate this knowledge into practical applications.
The New Encyclopedia of Group Activities is the sequel to the best-selling volume by Pfeiffer that was first published more than a decade ago. It is an expansive collection of newly developed hands-on activities and games that will help you explore the many elements of group process skills. It covers a multitude of content topics that can be used in a variety of group settings. These 150 activities offer creative exercises that will give you the tools you need to provide appropriate interventions for any group purpose. Whether searching for a serious foundational process activity or for a light transitional learning game, you will find something in this collection to meet your needs.
The book includes an Introduction section that explains its intended purpose, target audience, description of the product, the Experiential Learning Model, glossary of key concepts, facilitator's guidelines, activity selection guidelines and topic matrix, and list of resources. The activities are categorized into five sections:

Group Process

Addresses issues concerned with the group process: icebreakers, getting acquainted, group norms, member roles, leadership, dimensions of group effectiveness, diversity, change management, organizational culture, and closure.

Task-Oriented Processes

Examines those functions within that contribute to getting a job accomplished: planning, goal setting, problem solving, creativity, risk taking, decision making, and resource use.

Relationship-Oriented Processes

Explores ways to maintain good working relationships within the group: cohesiveness, trust, collaboration, conflict management, and negotiation.

Communication

Deals with various aspects of the communication process: communication styles, nonverbal communication, listening, feedback, and coaching skills.

Personal Awareness

Focuses on the expansion of personal insight: self-disclosure, values clarification, ethics, sensory and feelings awareness, perceptual set, motivation, and personal growth and development issues.

Each activity includes goals, recommended group size, time required, materials list, physical setting, step-by-step process details for conducting the activity, debriefing questions, and all necessary forms and handouts (CD included).
3-ring binder, 510 pages (w/CD) (Pfeiffer Publishing)