Clearly, the dynamics of the group were negatively affecting its ability to generate a quality integrated curriculum. It was equally clear that students were being affected by the delay and would be affected by the fact that the curriculum, should it be developed, would probably not be of high quality. Using information gained from the assessment, the consultant developed a plan to help the group improve its effectiveness. The plan included educating the members about group development, providing them with information about their current developmental profile, and facilitating a process in which they planned ways to improve the group's functioning. This last step is crucial, since change is accomplished by member efforts, not by outside intervention.
Group effectiveness is an excellent topic for an in-service session.
Discuss group functioning each time the group meets. A brief discussion about how the group is functioning should be on the agenda of every meeting. Ask the group for feedback. Periodically, ask group members for anonymous written feedback about group functioning and how it can be improved. Take group member's feedback seriously.