Group Work Activities and difficulties with Managing Anxiety/Stress
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Group work is a form of cooperative learning which aims to develop students knowledge, generic skills, (e.g. communication skills, collaborative skills, critical thinking skills) and attitudes. The ability to participate effectively in group work or team work is seen as a desirable employability skill and should be considered part of every learner’s educational experience.
Anxiety and stress are fundamental human emotions. Some suggest that they are only noticeable when they occur in excess; however, many people adapt to very high levels of anxiety and stress.
Anxiety is normal and can be helpful in stressful situations. The burst of adrenaline and nerve impulses in response to stressful situations can help to prepare for fight or flight. However, anxiety is considered to be abnormal if it:
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is out of proportion to the stressful situation;
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persists when a stressful situation has gone, or the stress is minor;
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appears for no apparent reason when there is no stressful situation.
Many people like group work as they enjoy the interactions with other learners, working together to solve problems and sharing ideas. On the other hand, people with certain impairments may find group work highly stressful, for example those with autistic spectrum disorder, certain mental health conditions, or those whose condition makes them feel vulnerable when they need to give an oral (someone with a stammer or speech impediment) or written presentation (a dyslexic person).
What causes one person stress might be someone else’s favourite activity (for example giving oral presentations). The ways in which people find relief from stress varies just as much. When working within a group everyone needs to negotiate their own level of engagement and agree the working strategies and timescales. Having people in a group with particular needs can strengthen a group’s sense of team work and camaraderie as they work together to find solutions to each others needs.
