MORE ON THE FREEZE PHASE/SQUARE-BLOB-STAR MODEL

Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze or Square-Blob-Star Model of Change

In our last post we described the simple Freeze Phase Model proposed by Lewin.  In 1972  J. S Rhoades used a simple three-step “unfreeze-change-refreeze” model to describe the process of the growth and change during outdoor education programs.  This apears to have been based on the 3-step change process first described by Kurt Lewin in 1951.  It is also described as the square-blob-star model.  It basically means going from State A into an unfrozen, unformed or “blob” change, and then reforming in a different pattern, such as a star.

1. The first step, “unfreeze” involves the process of letting go of certain restricting attitudes during the initial stages of an outdoor education experience (from the Square).
2. The second step, “change” involves alteration of self-conceptions and ways of thinking during the experience. (the Blob)
3. The third step, “refreeze” involves solidifying or crystallizing the changes into a new, permanent form for the individual, a process which takes place towards the end of an outdoor education programme ( the Star).

There are techniques for “unfreezing”, managing “transition/change” and “refreezing” and that is what the next series of post will address.