The cognitive and performance benefits of group work in undergraduate courses depend on understanding how to structure groups to promote communication and comfort while also promoting diversity and reducing conflict. The current study utilized social network analysis combined with self-reported survey data from 555 students in 155 groups to…

Play is an important part of a child's life and essential to learning and development (Vygotsky, 1978). It is vital that students participate in play and that play be conducted in a restorative manner. Play allows a variety of group dynamics to emerge. Irvin Yalom (1995) identifies 11 curative factors of the group experience. These factors include…

The author describes the outline and content for an English course entitled Man's Search for Utopia." (LF)

This book is intended to assist group leaders, teachers, counselors, and peer helpers in the development of relationships and active learning. The first chapter, "Icebreakers," begins with an overview that explains the nature, purpose, and importance of these activities. Icebreakers are used to help group members learn about each other in a…

Explored the nature of cohesion in groups formed to affect personal change. Members (N=227) of eight therapy groups completed the Three Factor Group Questionnaire. Results suggested risk-taking, attraction to individual group members, and the instrumental value of the group were all related to group cohesion. (Author/JAC)

Group members tend to like other members of their own group more than members of groups to which they do not belong. This paper focuses on some of the initial determinants of this own-group preference and on the isolation of factors which increase or decrease it. The major finding appears to be that the mere anticipation of cooperation or…

Examined the relationship between the social and task dimensions of small groups. Developed a measure of group members' feelings of cohesion. Demonstrated that perceptions about the quality of group interactions, goal attainment, group satisfaction, and group solidarity are significantly and positively related. (RC)

Describes characteristics of immature, or regressive groups, including avoidance of conflict, abdication of responsibility, and psychic numbness; and characteristics of mature, or generative groups, including group transcendence. Examines the notion of group mind and concludes that the evolution of mind is dependent on the group's psychological…

A study examining small group performance replicated and extended a previous study by L. Kelly and R. L. Duran to reanalyze their operationalization of cohesiveness. To test the hypotheses of the original study and to explore questions about using the polarization index as an indication of group cohesiveness, the study used a large number of…

This booklet serves as a basis for an experience-based group guidance workshop for school counselors. By providing activities, practice in methodology, and feedback, the workshop aims at the following objectives: (1) to equip counselors with specific techniques appropriate to group leaders; (2) to encourage counselor creativity in group guidance…

This study investigated the basic question of whether there is actually measurable change in personality characteristics occurring during or subsequent to the encounter group experience. The study examined instruments which may prove useful in the detection of change in an objective and quantifiable mode which can be subjected to statistical…

Over the past decade, many university-based administrator-preparation programs have evolved into curricula delivered through cohorts of about 20 to 25 students. However, little evidence exists about the long-term effect of cohort experience on aspiring principals' future professional practice. Anecdotal evidence suggests that students in cohorts…

A study examined the effects of participation in a low-element challenge course on younger adolescents' perceptions of group cohesion. Pre- and post-tests of group cohesion were administered to 167 North Carolina adolescents aged 11-14. Participants perceived an increase in group cohesion after the daylong program, regardless of their age, race,…

A study examined the relationship between participation and performance in groups to determine whether increased communicative activity brought about through participation in groups resulted in the acquisition of specific types of organizational knowledge and increased motivation which positively affected performance. Subjects for the study were…

Some research in social psychology has examined the effect of social influence on group processes. To examine the conditions under which individuals cooperate to function as a group and the effects of this group formation on the cohesiveness, communication, and morale of group members, two experiments were conducted. A group of three male subjects…