GROUP WORK TO DEVELOP THE SOCIAL SKILLS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to determine the social skill levels of university students and examine the effectiveness of group work designed to increase social abilities by sharing knowledge and skills between students. The experimental group of the research consists of 11 students studying in the 3rd grade of Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Work department. In the first and last session of the 7-week studies, the data obtained from the pre-test and post-test study directed by applying the Social skills Inventory to the students is examined. The data of the research is evaluated in SPSS Statistics 22.0 program. Paired-Sample T-Test was applied in the processing and analysis of the data. The weekly reports of the group members are examined, and the descriptive analysis technique is used, along with receiving feedback from the group members at the end of the group study. When the pre-test and post-test scores of the members participating in the group activity, which is designed to improve the social skills of university students, is inspected, it leads to the conclusion that includes a significant difference in the social skill levels of the students. Thoughts of the group participants about the group study process also supported this conclusion. When the pre-test and post-test scores of the members who included in the group study that is structured to improve the social skills of university students is inspected, a significant difference in the social skill levels of the students is observed, while revealing that this group work increased the social ability levels of the student. In spite of the fact that there is a limited number of studies on this case, and it is expected that the study will contribute to the literature in this context, it is thought that it will be an example for group studies to be established during university education. In addition, it might be beneficial to apply group work based on social abilities for students to acquire the fundamental social skills necessary for social life and adapt to society in the best possible way.