Group social structure provides a comfortable and predictable context for interaction in learning environments. Students in face-to-face learning environments process social information about others in order to assess traits, predict behaviors, and determine qualifications for assuming particular responsibilities within a group. In online learning…

Describes an adolescent outpatient pretherapy training and orientation program considered to have speeded group cohesion; increased expression of positive expectations; reduced time-wasting discussion; decreased concerns over confidentiality; and facilitated verbal feedback skills. (Author/DB)