Nine learning activities can prepare elementary school social studies students for group work. The activities teach students how to organize a group, recognize the value of all contributions, and how to take responsibility to contribute, respond to other contributions, listen carefully, encourage contributions, and form a group decision. (KC)

Progressive format or sequencing of strategies in the conversation class is proposed as a solution to the problems of conversation grouping for foreign students. Structures and formats and sample activities are outlined for the six activity categories or strategies: restructuring, one-centered, unified group, dyad, small group, and large group.…

The aim of this paper and guidelines is to provide a background and framework for considering the wide range of issues involved in the development and delivery of group-based parenting programs and support services. While the broad principles underpinning these guidelines apply to parent training/support groups in any setting, the focus is to…

A brainstorming variation used with discussion sections of a large class has students write ideas on Post-It notes, which can then be prioritized, categorized, sequenced, and grouped as needed, easily and quickly. The technique is useful for building thesis-writing skills, stimulating creation of a visual body of evidence, and encouraging…

Annotations from 12 entries in the ERIC database were selected as significant and useful sources of information about small-group cooperative learning. Five of the citations are literature reviews. Among these is a meta-analysis, drawn from 217 studies, about the effects of cooperative learning on student achievement and interpersonal attraction;…

Some ideas are presented for structuring student groups in second-language classes in a way to encourage them to work together more productively. Eight types of positive interdependence are explained. (Contains 14 references.) (LB)

This study examines an attempt to train pupils to work cooperatively in a group as they worked mathematical tasks requiring concept development and application of concepts. Results were positive. (MP)

Classroom creative problem-solving activities were developed around clearly defined problems having many possible solutions and entailing a situation where reality is slightly skewed. Working in small groups, students role-play by becoming "experts" at the matter in hand. A group secretary keeps students accountable for their time. Problem-solving…

To bring educational research into focus with tested classroom practice, this booklet provides an introduction to small group discussion. The theory and research section discusses the importance of small group discussion, characteristics of small group discussions, group attraction based on Maslow's hierarchy of basic human needs, group decision…

Presents the small group discussion techniques of eight English teachers from junior high through university levels. (JG)

Any policy of educating people for relationships incorporating the use of small groups should be based on an understanding of the method and the necessary training, according to the author, who discusses various group work practice methods that have been used and problems in some of the techniques. (MF)

Describes a successful and current approach to training peer facilitators. Includes (1) an advanced course in small group leadership as a prerequisite for the leadership experience and (2) a seminar in leadership conducted during the leadership experience. (PD)

A technique used in college instruction to improve the contribution of individual members to a small working group of students is described. The approach addresses two common problems: (1) resolution of conflicts and (2) dealing with nonperforming group members. Students interview prospective partners and form their own groups, then report on the…

Discussion groups are an excellent instructional strategy for exploring ideas, disclosing views on issues, and uncovering learning needs. Their strength lies in that they draw upon the experiences and values of the group members. They are most successful when structured in such a way that they encourage all members to contribute freely to the…

The following ideas are presented: (1) working together in calculus, including a handout for a jigsaw lesson; (2) a lesson on water and ecology from the USSR using the collective teaching technique; (3) the Israeli Havruta "Companionship" method for peer teaching; and (4) an origami lesson outlined and illustrated. (JD)