The Introductory General Course in Group Work of the Institute of Group Analysis 1993-4: A Survey of Student Backgrounds and Experience

Abstract

The IGA (London) has a well-established introductory course in group analysis. Over recent years the intake has broadened to include a variety of professional groups. An attempt was made to determine the nature of the intake in a typical year (1993-4) and see if professional background was associated with response to the course. The study was performed by the completion by participants of two questionnaires, one at the beginning, one at the end. The results confirmed the broad range of professional backgrounds but not any clear differential response to the course. Overall there were high levels of satisfaction with the course, the Small Group being the most successful element, the Large Group the least. Overall the IGA introductory course was successful in achieving its aims in offering an introduction to group analysis. Criticism of the Large Group experience suggests that continued work may be required to improve student satisfaction with its role in the course.