Empowering through education

Welcome, I am fairly new to teaching.  My commitment to fostering growth and understanding through a strengths-based approach to learning. Discover how we empower students, professionals, and the community with vital knowledge and resources with a focus on the aging population and groups.

Teaching

At the core of my teaching lies a deep belief in the strengths perspective. This approach emphasizes identifying and building upon the inherent capabilities and resources of students and community at large. We use various methods to ensure a dynamic, engaging learning environment that promotes active participation and the practical application of knowledge.

Who we reach

My teaching content is designed to benefit a broad audience. Whether you are a student just beginning your journey in social work, a fellow professional seeking to expand your expertise, or a member of the community interested in understanding social dynamics, resources are tailored to meet your needs. Aiming to foster a collaborative learning environment for all.

Focused topics

Exploring areas within social work, with a particular focus on Group, Group Process, and the Aging Population. Delving into the unique challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic, providing insights and strategies for effective intervention and support. My goal is to equip you with specialized knowledge to make a tangible difference.

Lesson Plan 

Lesson Plan

Group Process and Aging

Course: Graduate-level course on group process and aging. An effective and efficient way to assist the aging with loneliness and socialization. Graduates need exposure to forming and leading groups with the aging population. The purpose of the lesson is to provide insight into group processes and their impact on the aging population.

Lesson Name: Group Process and Aging

Learner Introduction: Learner will be shown process principles and their impact on the aging population

Assumed Knowledge: SOWK 631: Advanced Practice I

Duration of Lesson: 60 minutes

Lesson Objectives:  

  • Display ability to explore dynamics, processes, and stages of group work
  • Demonstrate self-awareness of style or preferences with group functioning or theories
  • Demonstrate knowledge of group member roles and dynamics within the group
  • Demonstrate professionalism and commitment through regular attendance
  • Demonstrate self-processing skills and ask for and accept feedback for improvement of skills.
  • Demonstrate ability to effectively address challenges that arise in a group.
  • Demonstrate ability to consult with fellow group leaders and openly process experiences.
  • Demonstrate ability to utilize the NASW Code of Ethics and apply it to group work. Demonstrating awareness of unique ethical issues faced by group leaders, as indicated by professional codes.

Andragogical Approach: Group Work, Experiential Learning, Self-Evaluation

Mode of Delivery: Virtual, Synchronous, Instructor-Led

Lesson Outline:

            * Introductions (Warm-up)- (professor and students) (5 min)

*Ice Breaker-Table Topics- Giving time and space for the class as a group to share and explore with each other perceptions of groups. Openly process as a class.  (5 minutes)

*Practice- Group Process Discussion- (5-10 min)- Processing knowledge and experiences with groups. Discussing possible differences in populations with a focus on aging

            * Content- (5 min)- Group process and leading. Expectations and Boundaries. (Leadership)

            *Reviewing comprehension of content (5 min)

            * Application (5-10 min)  Social Group Work with Older Adults Bing Videos (5:33)

            *Content- Group process and aging population (5-10 min) (Group)

            *Discussion-Process experience with groups and questions that may have been raised in small groups. (10 min)

            *Wrap Up (5 min)

Learning Activities:

            *Small Groups

            *Evaluations (Self & Class)

            *Journal

Content and Learning Materials:

            *Group Process and Aging Notes

            *Chat or open discussion

            *Journal

            *Evaluations

            *Video: Social Group Work with Older Adults Bing Videos (5:33)

Feedback Strategy:

            *Evaluations- Professor and Students- Virtual

         References:

1.) video aboutsocial work groups and aging - Search Videos. (n.d.). Www.bing.com. Retrieved February 8, 2026, from https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=video+aboutsocial+work+groups+and+aging+&mid=B15D5E55822A673EFD36B15D5E55822A673EFD36&churl=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCikwJyPD1yXW2H3zQafpOtA&FORM=VIRE

‌2.) The Role of Group Work in Caring for the Elderly • Social Work Institute

Evaluation Analysis of Lesson

The classroom assessment focused on evaluating student responses and analyzing the effectiveness of inclusive pedagogy and classroom assessment techniques used during the lesson. Below are combined answers to the assignment questions based on observations and feedback received.  Students, classmates, and professors generally provided positive and encouraging feedback. Out of ten students, four responded, along with the professor and a classmate. The feedback highlighted the clarity and relevance of the presentation to the field, indicating that students found the material well delivered and applicable.

Strengths identified included the presenter’s knowledge of group work, thoughtful responses to questions, effective organization, smooth pacing, and engaging visuals. These attributes contributed to a positive learning environment and promoted attentive participation.  Recommendations for improvement focused on pacing and increasing student engagement. There was a suggestion that more activities or questions would further stimulate participation and enhance the learning experience.

Resources and support for your journey

The ultimate goal is for visitors to leave this page feeling informed, inspired, and supported. You will find valuable resources designed to further your understanding and application of social work principles, especially concerning groups and the aging population. We are here to support your professional and personal growth.