This paper describes a classroom exercise used on the first day of class to help students meet each other and to help make them feel comfortable in the class. It also helps improve students' memory and interpersonal skills such as active listening, communication and trust. Originally designed for use by college students, the exercise can easily be…

These facilitator's skill packets contain seven individual packets related to advanced social skills: (1) asking for help; (2) joining in; (3) giving instructions; (4) following instructions; (5) apologizing; (6) convincing others; and (7) making a decision. Each packet contains the following sections: definition of advanced social skills;…

Explores characteristics of group dynamics which teachers should be aware of in planning group activities for social studies classes. Provides guidelines by which teachers can plan group activities which help students attain cognitive, affective, and process-skill goals for the social studies. (Author/AV)

A successful cooperative group has a balance of both task and maintenance which comes from group members using appropriate social skills as the group works together. Suggestions are made for teachers to facilitate the use of these skills. (JD)

A model is presented to help residential outdoor education staff modify their work with individuals and groups to suit the circumstances. Public and personal arenas are the settings in which staff operate, and formal and informal approaches describe ways of working in a setting. A diagram depicts the relationship between the arenas and approaches,…

Illustrates secondary level speech communication class activities intended to teach the communication functions of ritualizing and sharing feelings and to develop students' competencies in understanding and using the functions in group and interpersonal contexts. (JMF)

Activities for team-building in college-level management and organizational behavior classes are described. The exercises use adventure-education techniques but have as their central theme the production of rhythms in various forms: creating predictable agendas; beating simple rhythms on desks; a Japanese hand clapping; recitation; and feeling…

This book is designed to provide individuals with practical assistance in introducing and using critical reflection strategies. It is intended for workshop facilitators whose aim is to assist committees, organizations, and various groups in solving problems. The book explains procedures for Critical Reflection Strategies using Teams (CReST), a…

Describes techniques for teaching interpersonal and group communication skills in the social studies classroom. Activities include group role playing, skill practice trio, and concentric circles, which focus on pairing students to discuss certain topics. The author stresses the necessity for regular feedback forms and sessions. (KC)

Lists goals for self-actualization that could be incorporated into a social studies program and provides activities for the achievement of these goals. The activities involve communication and group participation. (KC)

Maintaining that good communication and sharp awareness of interpersonal dynamics can help facilitators of quality circles develop greater group synergy and thus more creative and productive results, this guide presents techniques and exercises for developing facilitators' interpersonal communication skills. A pretest and brief introduction are…

Group effectiveness skills, including interpersonal communication, negotiation, and teamwork, are essential in today's diverse classroom and workplace. Various ways have been identified to prepare learners to be effective in group situations and to aid teachers to prepare themselves to be skillful group facilitators. The following are some…

This paper presents a group exercise which focuses on each individual's interpersonal skills--the activity was designed to simulate a real-world group experience, such as students might encounter in the business world. The paper gives four instructional objectives, lists material required (a video camera), gives required reading for preparation,…

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…