Group Development ModelBruce Tuckman argues that there are four stages of group development: forming, storming, normalizing, and executing. These steps are all essential and inevitable for a group to mature, overcome challenges, find solutions, plan work and produce effective results. (University of Washington, 2013)TrainingTuckman argues that during the training phase, individuals are constrained by a need for approval and to avoid conflict and controversy. They discover information about each other, the scope of the project, and the approach they will use. (University of Washington, 2013) For the most part, I have found this to be true. For us, the training phase lasted until December. In the fall of 2013, the Mayo Mental Health Association contacted the college to see if GMIT students thought there was a need for a student chapter. For the first meeting, a large group of students was present. During this meeting, all participants agreed on the need for such an association within the college. During the remainder of the meeting, we reflected on the function and scope of the association. It was during this task that we experienced a slight conflict. There was a misunderstanding among some members about the scope of the group. I felt that as the association was made up of groups of Social Care students (years 1, 2 and 3), there were groups within the wider group that had formed previously, leading to small conflicts at first, although they were quickly resolved. .Next meetings, for the remainder of the fall, consisted of electing committee members and identifying goals, objectives, and mission statement.During this time, the association relied on... ... middle of paper ...... e varied learning preferences, so that as many students as possible benefit from the work we do.Works CitedHealth Services Executive. (2007). Mental health in Ireland: awareness and attitudes. Ireland. Prendiville, P. (1995). Developing Facilitation Skills – A Handbook for Group Facilitators. Ireland: Combat Poverty Agency. Sample, J. (1999). Understanding Your Learning Styles (Vol. 2.0). Psych Press.St. Patrick Mental Health Service. (September 10, 2013). Stigma remains a significant factor. Retrieved April 2014 from St. Patricks Mental Health Services: Empowering Recovery: https://www.stpatricks.ie/stigma-still-significant-factorUniversity of Washington. (2013). Four (five) stages of team development – ​​Bruce Tuckman. Retrieved April 2014 from the University of Washington: depts.washington.edu/oei/resources