The nine dynamics of mutual aid in social work group education: reflections and lessons from a low residency cohort model project

ABSTRACT

Mutual aid is the backbone of any social work group with its focus on the connection and growth between members for the sake of both individual attendees and the group itself. With the use of groups as a primary model of treatment and intervention in the field, the understanding of the dynamics of mutual aid is the cornerstone of quality group work education. Cohort models of education involve one set body of students who move through the curricula together with limited separation until degree completion. In a piloted assignment with an initial low residency MSW cohort, the primary author created an assignment wherein students explored their understanding of the nine dynamics of mutual aid from their perspective as a member of a cohort group. The following paper outlines their presentations and calls for the focus of social work group education using the lens of student as a cohort member experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Cohort model
• mutual aid
• dynamics
• group work education

Disclosure statement

The authors wish to report no commitment to any financial institution or conflict of interest. This article was assembled after the completion of the aforementioned Social Work Group methods class and upon the completion of this cohort’s Master’s of Social Work Degrees. Furthermore, the primary author wishes to thank her coauthors for their willingness, hard work, and dedication to make this project not only possible but enjoyable and for their willingness to share this experience for the knowledge and learning of others in our education community.