Teaching and Learning Group Work Using Tutorial and Community Engagement

Abstract

During 2012, the authors introduced an innovative BSW curriculum at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in New Zealand. First-year students worked on community projects under the auspices of social service agencies. This initiative occurred when the city of Christchurch was recovering from a series of large earthquakes that caused widespread devastation during 2010 and 2011. Students working in task groups completed five projects over a 5-month period. This article outlines the rationale for a curriculum design that used tutorial groups, the educational scaffolding that provided support for the students in group work roles, skills and processes employed, and descriptions of the projects. The authors conclude with a student evaluation of the group work experience.

Keywords:

• BSW education
• group work education
• student group
• community engagement