ABSTRACT
Group consultation provides attendees with opportunities to examine their own work and that of others; solve problems; apply new learning; gain insight into other people's perspectives; and discuss their struggles and difficulties with work among the group. The term group consultation is often used to describe professional development activities where groups of people in the same profession meet regularly with one or two consultants to discuss work-related issues. In this chapter the author draw upon various approaches to establish links between Vygotsky's theoretical frameworks and group consultation processes. Another aspect of Vygotsky's theory which can be translated to group consultation is that of joint understanding. Vygotsky's emphasis on the learner engaging in collaborative activities to learn from others could also relate to the thoughtful interactions during the group consultation process between the facilitator and the participants. The preceding literature offers insight into group consultation and the different processes which consultants focus on as a tool to enhance professional development.
