Background: Although the relationship between collective efficacy and group performance has been frequently investigated, a few studies have investigated the development of collective efficacy. Aim: This paper proposes some determinants of collective efficacy in small university groups. Group level hypotheses and research questions relating…

Communication is the process by which all the pieces of the living world find their relationships to the other pieces to form larger wholes and to enable the living world to grow, adapt, and survive. This article explores cooperation, as it refers to the matter of sharing communication in groups. (CB)

Concepts of voice, meaning, mutual construction of knowledge, and transfer of learning are presented in this paper as critical ingredients that support the teaching of group work from an ecological perspective. Examples of these concepts are given to illustrate their application in group work classes. (Contains 1 table.)

To develop trust, group cohesion, and teamwork, the members of the Sheridan School Board of Trustees participated in a forest survival exercise. (SJL)

The forming stage is when group members get acquainted. During the storming stage, conflict and competition arise. Good things are beginning to happen during the norming stage. The performing stage is highly productive, featuring unity and group identity. The transforming stage allows members to regroup, thank each other, and disengage. Adventure…

Investigated if there were differences between collaborative interactions of children trained to work together and those told to work together but not trained. Found that, compared to non-trained children, those in the trained groups were consistently more collaborative and helpful to each other as they tried to involve each other in the learning…

To increase group creativity and understanding of the creative process, a 3-hour session of nonthreatening game playing was undertaken with 10 graduate students. Games included comfort-establishing, trust-building, and challenge activities. Observers were unaware of any individual asserting dominance, and participants formed relationships that…

Describes the "Ropes and Initiatives" course for secondary school students at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Educational Center, Rockville, Maryland. The course is designed to increase the students self confidence, teach them to develop trust in others and foster groups interaction and responsibility. (CM)

Tested Sherif and Sherif's hypotheses on intergroup competition and cooperation in a natural setting involving a scout camp for well-acquainted subjects rather than for previously unacquainted subjects. In-group solidarity showed no increase during camps, as would have been predicted by the Sherifs; indeed a decrease was found. (LLL)

Presents results of a study contrasting different forms of group cohesiveness in a student military organization. Reports that task cohesiveness was more strongly associated with lower role uncertainty, higher individual performance, and lower absenteeism than was interpersonal cohesiveness. Concludes that data provide evidence for a…

Focuses on recognizing key indicators for developing teamwork and collaboration among child care staff. Addresses communicating clearly, interacting respectfully, demonstrating trust, negotiating different perspectives, building on each other's strengths, and promoting reliability and responsibility. Identifies strategies to cultivate growth in…

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy that promotes the positive interaction of children in small, heterogeneous groups. Each group contain three or four students of varying achievement levels, backgrounds, socio-economic status, and sex. Cooperative learning processes promote student motivation, build group skills, foster social and…

Aspects of the relationships between state college and university representatives and state coordinating councils, and forms of intragroup behavior are considered. It is suggested that within an interorganizational paradigm, knowledge of and ability in interagency coordination may be crucial to the future of higher education. Higher education is…

This guide is the third of four intended to help persons involved in planning new schools, new programs, or other comprehensive change projects. The materials consist of readings to be done individually and exercises to be done individually and/or with a group. Guide 3 looks at the political side of planning new schools by examining the interface…