RESIDENTIAL
RESISDENTIAL On the first day at SWAC the group performed well, every one was there for each other, helping out and lending a hand when it came to rigging out the boats, giving advice where possible. During the compulsive activities the group dynamics were firm, the camaraderie that was shown on the sailing sessions this was not reflected during the camp environment. The sailing at SWAC turned out to be activity that was equally for all in terms of that there weren’t many people in the group who were outstanding at this sport. It became a setting for various group dynamics. The trip to Southampton was the first opportunity for the group to be together in a different setting from the classroom since the North Wales trips. It became apparent that we had slipped back into the Storming stage of the Tuckman’s theory. In this stage trust was low amongst the group, which lead to anxiety being high. Psychological defensiveness makes the groups behaviour very distorted such not know how to act when in the group environment so it become like walking on eggshells. It is understandable that not having a lot of contact interpersonally within a group setting can cause uncertainty within the group. Throughout the week especially during the actual sailing session individual barriers deteriorated. This meant that we were moving through the other stages of Tuckman’s group development theory. For instance the first morning of sailing, felt as if we were forming again. The group was in a position were trust was building again and individual anxiety was being reduced. This was visible seen through laughter and flowing conversation. With every session of sailing the group performed more. There was openness of from everyone toward each other. Productivity was high in the group in the form of what we achieved and how we achieved our success at SWAC. This was a complete contrast to camp life as well as individual and group free time. The first occasion, were the group expressed there individual interest was at the campsite after the sailing day had ended.