Working With and In Small Groups

King, Elaine

Abstract

This chapter provides insight into two kinds of small group work: “supervised” – guided by a supervisor, such as a teacher or facilitator; and “unsupervised” – self- managed or without supervisory input. Evidence about group work is discussed, drawing on research across a range of educational and community contexts, including the ways in which teachers guide students in the activity of composing or performing music together and how facilitators work with community musicians in therapeutic settings. Studies of small groups working without an official leader or supervisor, such as when musicians rehearse in chamber ensembles, will provide alternative insights into learning, including the ways in which individuals acquire experience, knowledge and valuable life skills through peer interactions and teamwork. The chapter begins with a definition of “small” group work along with discussion of characteristics and assumptions about group work. Next, theoretical and empirical research is reviewed in relation to the two main areas: first, working with small groups (supervised);
and second, working in small groups (unsupervised). Finally, issues for further research and implications for education and music in the community are identified.

Citation

King, E. (2021). Working With and In Small Groups. In A. Creech, D. A. Hodges, & S. Hallam (Eds.), International Handbook of Music Psychology in Education and the Community (320-334). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429295362

• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2021
• Publication Date: May 27, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 14, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 27, 2022
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 320-334
• Book Title: International Handbook of Music Psychology in Education and the Community
• Chapter Number: 20
• ISBN: 9781000383058; 9780367769819
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429295362
• Keywords: Group work; Collaboration; Facilitation
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3716370
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-International-Handbooks/book-series/RIHAND
• Contract Date: Feb 5, 2020