Group Development and Group Dynamics in Outdoor Education

This paper reviews the research literature published between 1992 and 1995 on group development and group dynamics in outdoor education and closely allied disciplines. The research is categorized in six general dimensions: (1) how the personal characteristics, skills, and experience that individuals bring to the group influences group dynamics and development; (2) how groups develop and are influenced by process and structure (covering developmental stages, team building, and group cohesion); (3) the relationship between functions and tasks in groups, and whether groups operate differently according to functions and tasks; (4) how leaders and leadership influence group dynamics and development; (5) how group environment--the forces and constraints arising outside the group--influence group dynamics and development; and (6) the impact of the group on individual members. The entire area of group development and dynamics in outdoor education requires further research. Nine specific directions for future research are recommended. Contains 51 references. (SV)