University Daily Kansas
Page 11
Course Offers Unique Work
"The training group experience presents a microscopic view, and a personal view, of much broader social processes," Baumgartel said. "The group becomes an experimental society."
Mike Lemoine, Leawood senior, said, "It's one of the most unique courses I've ever taken. Many aspects are directly applicable to everyday life and very beneficial insights into group interactions and relations with the individual."
These training groups are chosen so as to produce the maximum heterogeneity. Both men and women, usually 15, from variable backgrounds and interests make up the groups.
Prof. Howard Baumgartel, associate professor of human relations, said, "Many of the problems, processes, and dynamics of larger social units seem to be replicated within the experiences of a human relations retaining group."
A classroom filled with 15 students is nothing unusual. But when those students are enacting the problems, processes, and goals of society it is unusual.
Mary Geiger, Topeka junior, said. "It's more of an experience than a class."
These are self-directing groups, given complete freedom by their instructor. They choose their own goals, figure out their own problems, and possible solutions to those problems.
By Jane Larson
"The class is especially valuable because it is more or less self-directing." Miss Geiger said. "This makes us think for ourselves about the subject and minimizes the importance of the grade."
Prof. Baumgartel said, "The object is leading people toward more
The undergraduate Human Relations courses are probably the most unique offered on the Hill, not only for their unusual class procedure, but the purpose of the class and the results.
Carole Bishop, Shawnee Mission senior, said, "The course helps you get used to meeting people, understanding them, and solving problems common to a group."
Friday, Nov. 6, 1964
By giving the groups complete freedom in their actions the personality of each individual is drawn out whether it be that of initiator, compromiser, or withdrawer.
Miss Bishop said, "It's interesting to watch relationships in the group change and what the individuals try to put over to the group."
creative personal relationships. This course hopefully enables one to become more effective in problem-solving groups."
But while personalities are laid open they are also tempered. A quality of leadership and a more responsible attitude are developed. The under-active may become more active and the over-active, more controlled. A more constructive way of relating to other people is developed.
Baumgartel said, "Each person is faced with his relationship to the group, as a member, as a deviant, as an isolate."
"I think it'll be helpful in the future because it gives you insight to how other people react to you." Ellie Taylor, Paola senior, said.
"It makes us realize problems people have in group situations," Miss Taylor said.
After the class has begun functioning as a real social group, issues and conflicts arise. Since the members of the group are used to being directed in a classroom, anxiety and frustrations arise with this absolute freedom.
Not only are there group problems but there are problems concerning the individual. Naturally different people want to do different things and here a conflict arises. The best solution would be for each member to express his opinion and the group arrive at a decision.
But here arises another—that of the silent member. This individual
blocks the group from making a decision. The efforts of the others to draw him out may result in resentment of the group.
"A lot depends on the people in the group." Miss Geiger said, "we have to work together and it's not always easy to think along compatible lines."
Prof. Baumgartel said that students who have responsibility on the campus or on a job can appreciate the course more than others. "He realizes the importance of good human relations."
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