ABSTRACT
Some group relationships begin, and remain, superficial, while others begin, as they must, superficially, but develop strengths and depths that can have great influence on social learning, and hence on the work and productiveness of members of the group. A visiting lecturer, say in psychology, with a strange group of students may be tempted to be as sensational as possible, in hopes of ‘presenting a challenge’, ‘waking them up’, ‘dispelling apathy’, and the like. Individuals within the group have different needs, and some may be readier than others to consider problems at a significant level. The tutorial group proceeds with most of its time and attention directed outwards, on to the syllabus, but with occasional glancing reflections inward. The real tasks of the group leader are to avoid getting pushed into this false position, to let the students do the work, and to provide support and acceptance.
