A review of the research studies of individual and small group interaction suggests ideas for enhancing the effectiveness of group performance. The more salient aspects include collaboration, commitment, and interaction of group members. The key seems to be the dynamic role of interaction in the group structure. The degree to which the group…

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…

This grounded theory article focuses on the role of social communications during an online group problem-solving class. The proposed theory states that students working collaboratively and asynchronously with people they do not know use social comments to overcome emotional and geographical distance feelings. The subthemes of self-revelation,…

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…

Problems in organizational groups are often defined around one pivotal and difficult group member. Based upon C. Stohl and S. Schell's concepts of farrago (a confusing group member who becomes the relational focus of the group), 28 undergraduate students and management personnel who frequently participate in group work were interviewed to validate…

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…

Recent research suggesting a link between loneliness and social networks and a difference between males and females in both the quantity and quality of relationships support the view that loneliness can be predicted by gender from social network variables. In one study, two samples were used to explore gender differences. Sample 1, 97 males and 82…

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 paper explores some aspects of building and fostering strong group dynamics to enhance expedition behavior and ultimately, successful wilderness group experiences. It attempts to reflect the needs of both large-scale expeditions and educational and camp groups traveling through wilderness, and includes various activities to allow for direct…

Relationships between cognitive and social-cognitive characteristics of group members and group performance were assessed, using 96 adults. A method for conceptualizing and modeling group performance is presented. People working in newly formed small groups on written problems emphasizing divergent/creative solutions generally produce…

This paper describes a teaching model designed for improving the group interaction and leadership skills of outdoor leaders during wilderness trips. The teaching can involve lecture, discussion, and experiential work. An understanding of the following elements enables students to increase their knowledge of group dynamics: (1) stages of group…

This paper describes networking evaluation, an alternative to traditional evaluation, in which students work cooperatively in small groups to solve specific problems and are evaluated collectively by their teacher. Steps in the networking evaluation model are: (1) explaining the networking concept to students and preparing them for the evaluation;…

Recommends modifying adventure education experiences to reflect the needs of adolescent girls: understanding differences in male-female play patterns, varying opinion requests, using single-gender grouping, facilitating equal female participation, using role models, letting girls do things for themselves, complimenting girls on their talents,…

Traditionally, group research has focused on outcome rather than process. In order to provide an efficient means of data collection and analysis in group process, the Automatic Vocal Transaction Analyzer (AVTA) system was developed to generate an objective chronography of conversation vocalizations, pauses, turntaking, switching, and…

Designed to provide practical assistance in implementing outdoor learning experiences for youth and adults, this book helps professionals plan their leadership development programs and create more humane climates in a variety of outdoor settings. The book treats the three topics of self-knowledge, human communities, and outdoor-environmental…