Group dynamics are activities that, in addition to being fun, can be used to teach people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
These skills usually focus on improving the social skills of their members while they have a great time interacting with their colleagues, whom they may have known for a long time or this may be their first contact.
Next we will understand the importance of these activities, in addition to seeing the main types of group dynamics that exist
Group dynamics are activities with which several people interact to meet a specific objective through various fictitious situations. In them you can observe the individual behavior of each of the members under the influence of the group.
They are activities in which The people involved are involved to be successful in achieving a goal, strengthening their relationships along the way
These types of activities can be very varied, but all of them aim to encourage contact between those involved, creating an idea of community, promoting coexistence and cooperation. They are exercises that, thanks to their great versatility, children, young people, adults and even seniors can participate. That is why these dynamics can be very beneficial to promote any educational process.
Depending on the type of group dynamic, the number of people involved, the activities to be carried out and the objectives to be achieved will vary. Naturally, this will also influence the results in terms of the feeling of unity, the ties established between the members and also the type of skill that ends up being developed. Nevertheless, As long as the facilitator is aware of the activity and ensures that it runs properly, it will be a beneficial exercise for everyone
In all group dynamics the objective has to do with cooperative and relational skills. Regardless of the specific skill to be put into practice, such as communication or conflict resolution, all of them involve learning to relate better to others while reaffirming the idiosyncrasy of each individual.
Added to this, too Cognitive skills such as attention, problem solving or decision making are put into practice Group dynamics mean that those involved have to focus their attention on achieving certain goals, while at the same time making use of their social skills with others and, also, testing their reasoning and intellect to see how to be successful.
Thus, the objectives of all these dynamics are improving social skills, practicing leadership and cooperation, respect for others and the reaffirmation of one’s uniqueness and the implementation of different cognitive and useful abilities for daily life. These activities help ensure that those involved are aware that great feats can be achieved through teamwork.
What are the types of group dynamics?
Now that we understand what group dynamics are and what their objectives usually are, we move on to go into detail about the different types of group dynamics. These can be applied in all types of contexts and groups, and can be applied both at school and in the workplace or in a reception center for foreigners. All of them are applied to improve social skills and create greater group cohesion. Below we will see the main modalities:
1. Presentation dynamics
The type of dynamics that are probably used the most are presentation ones. As their name indicates, these are games in which the members introduce each other, being a very good way to break the ice between people who have had little relationship or are complete strangers
There are all kinds. There are activities in which those involved are ordered to get in pairs and tell each other their name, what their favorite color is, how old they are, what pet they have, where they are from, what they work for, what they like to do in the bathtub… In short , any question that serves to promote a little knowledge among group members.
2. Dynamics of conflict resolution
Conflict resolution dynamics are activities used to mediate problematic situations. This type of dynamics They are especially used in the workplace and in companies They are useful because they test skills such as decision-making, leadership or teamwork despite there having been some conflict.
They also serve to improve social skills and assertiveness among its members, introducing them to different tools that help solve a problem between two or more members such as a fight, an insult or a rumor.
3. Communication dynamics
The main objective of communication dynamics is to improve communication skills among group members. Social skills require good communication skills to be demonstrated, in addition to good communication in itself being a social skill.
In dynamics these Above all, we try to promote active listening, in addition to assertive communication (say what you really want) and, also, you are taught to say things in a way that does not mean breaking the feelings of others. Body language is also put into practice.
4. Dynamics of détente
Distension dynamics are used to release tensions. They are especially useful in children, making them release the restlessness they may bring before starting other activities through laughter, movement and voice
They shout, they speak loudly, they make movements as if they were having convulsions… they do any movement and act that makes them calm, liberated, emotionally rested and ready to pay attention to what the facilitator has to tell them.
5. Dynamics of knowledge and self-knowledge
Self-knowledge dynamics are applied so that group members can get to know each other better despite already knowing a little about them after having carried out other activities.
The objective in this type of dynamic is not to meet new people, but delve into the characteristics of people with whom they interact every day while comparing how they themselves are
Personal knowledge is deepened while having a closer and more intimate relationship with others, seeing the contrast between oneself and others, valuing their individuality.
6. Dynamics of cooperation and collaboration
The dynamics of cooperation and collaboration are considered a fundamental pillar in any environment in which you want to foster ties between different people What they do is enhance group cooperation by focusing on ensuring that all members of the activity have the same possibilities of participating.
Actually, in practice all activities are cooperation and/or collaboration as long as they are always done in a group and serve so that its members learn to relate to other people.
