This manual describes four discussion techniques that may be used in an adult education setting following a presentation by one or more resource persons. These four techniques--the huddle group, the buzz group, the chain reaction forum, and the reaction symposium--are designed to help the learner acquire information, develop skills in problem…

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT), developed by Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven at the University of Wisconsin in the 1960s, is used to enhance the generation, exploration, and communication of ideas relevant to problem-solving situations. The NGT is unlike other typical interacting group techniques in that individuals work in the presence of…

The superintendent of the Marlington Local School District (Ohio) outlines a program they have developed that encourages communication among staff, teachers, and administrators. The superintendent leads discussion groups that offer a chance to exchange views and air concerns that result in better communication patterns. (MD)

The places and circumstances in which teens encounter frightening or abusive behavior are presented in this book; students act out or read aloud the skits in order to initiate discussion. This book prompts teenagers to confront the violence in their lives by helping them examine the underlying causes of the violence, by provoking discussion about…

Group processing after an outdoor experience provides feedback and the opportunity for critical reflection, which can enhance the benefits of the experience. This paper outlines some common problems in processing and suggestions to help outdoor leaders improve their facilitation skills. Common pitfalls that hinder effective processing include…

This workbook explores ways to improve dialogue so as to enhance communication and self-knowledge. The text is divided into 7 chapters. Chapter 1 opens by asking the reader to describe what "talk" is and to relate conversations the reader had during the past week. It offers exercises on listening, and on understanding the context of…

Suggests that early childhood professionals need effective communication tools for individual conversations with colleagues, staff meetings, conversations with parents, and parent meetings. Describes ORID, a focused discussion method involving objective, reflective, interpretive, and decisional questions, that heighten the participants' awareness…

Discusses communication with children about sexual abuse. Topics discussed include the principles of good communication, developmental parameters, the context of talking about abuse, the reliability of children as witnesses, and the setting for communication. (RJC)

Effective meeting leaders--people who know how to manage meetings, not just hold them--understand the two main arenas of any meeting: content issues and process activities. These two arenas are interdependent upon each other. This book is designed to help educators lead more effective meetings through increased process awareness. Chapter 1 offers…

The main objectives of teaching ethics in the Communication Training and Development class are to encourage students to think in ethical terms, and to simulate experiences that reflect the choices and consequences of ethical and unethical behavior. This paper outlines an evolutionary classroom process with eight separate teaching components. The…

Presents a guide, derived from the Situational Leadership model, which describes the process that should be used in facilitating a group discussion. The process includes preparation, assessment, diagnosis, prescription, development, reinforcement, and follow-up. Three figures depict the Situational Leadership model, the facilitation process, and…

Reflective questioning creates opportunities for individuals to reflect aloud, be heard by one or more colleagues, and be prompted to expand and extend thinking through follow-up questions. The article examines the origin of reflective questioning, explains how to develop reflective questioning skills, and discusses outcomes associated with…

Describes the group-building process used in the Prairie Writing Project programs. Provides specific guidelines for implementing group work in inservice teacher workshops and in the classroom. Claims that preparatory group-building techniques promote more effective group work. (MM)

This book is designed to help library and information specialists and students tackle communication challenges ranging from public speaking to listserv posting. All types of communication are covered--conducting interviews; delivering speeches; leading group discussions, workshops, and conferences; designing newsletters, handouts, and brochures;…

Boundary breakers, the modern term for "icebreakers," tear down barriers that sometimes form within student groups and organizations, and offer a low-risk way for group members to become better acquainted. This document is a "hands on" booklet that covers such boundary-breaking activities as "Send a Letter,""The Lap Game,""One-Minute Interview,"…