Evaluating climate and interaction in a field learning unit to enhance group work

Groupwork is routinely utilized in social work practice due to its economic value and evidence-based outcomes. The purpose of this study was to deconstruct group development using common group assessments and comparing them to sociograms. Further, this study examined the parallel process in which interns in a field education learning unit experienced their own task group development in order to better implement groupwork with middle school students. The results indicated that individualistically-oriented interns began functioning as a team. The teamwork component was essential for the continuation of their internship and understanding of group dynamics.