Understanding the dynamics of individual or group adaptation can provide valuable information for constructing professional development strategies to increase chances of instructional success. This paper reports on an exploratory study that identifies indicators of convergent vs. non-convergent adaptation in two cases of teachers working together…

Facilitating successful focus groups requires both science and art. One element that can fully challenge focus group facilitators includes how to handle the unfocused focus group. This article describes "unfocus" and the benefits and disadvantages of unfocus in focus groups. Lessons learned from and approaches taken on this journey are shared to…

Groups are a fundamental part of the business world. Yet, as companies continue to expand internationally, a major challenge lies in promoting effective communication among employees who work in varying time zones. Global expansion often requires group collaboration through computer systems. Computer-mediated groups lead to different communicative…

The capability of 14 interpersonal dimensions to predict dyadic communication contexts was investigated in this study. Friend, acquaintance, co-worker, and family contexts were examined. The interpersonal valence construct, based on a coactive or mutual-causal paradigm, encompasses traditional source-valence components (credibility, power,…

The purpose of group counseling was to promote new social learning involving identification with other group members, leading to expanded field perception and insight into the projection of thoughts, feelings and motives onto others. (Author)

A study examined the relationships between (1) employee job performance and organizational relationships, (2) employee job performance and communication processes, (3) organizational relationships and communication processes, and (4) task characteristics and structural characteristics. Data were gathered from approximately 200 employees of a state…

Explains a helping skills training program developed for undergraduate resident assistants. Program areas include: (1) exposure to various types of educational processes to improve skills; (2) active involvement in group process; (3) skill usage following program; and (4) observation and practice. (RC)

Two public relations campaigns courses designed to provide senior students with practical public relations skills were organized in different ways. One class, employing small four- or five-member teams, implemented short-term projects that consisted of planning and implementing a campaign during the nine-week term. In the other class, students…

This guide presents a two phase program for teaching communication skills in the elementary grades. The first phase focuses on teaching the conditions that constitute an effective group and the communications skills necessary for effective group relationships. Definitions of terms are presented to teachers as well as suggestions for teaching and…

This series of discussion sessions and suggestions for further reading, was designed to serve as a guide for discussion groups made up of parents of preschool children. The first chapter discusses the organization of groups, leaders' qualifications, the general format of sessions, recordkeeping, and suggestions for the first and final sessions.…

Learning in small groups is a practical way to bring about behavior change. The inquiry learning process is perceived to be the most natural and scientific way of learning. Skills developed include those of problem-solving task analysis, decision-making, value formation and adaptability. The art of small group interaction is developed. Factual…

Data generated from three studies in twenty-two urban secondary schools indicate that the role of the secondary school administrator has been and is undergoing a steady attrition in terms of domain and scope of influence, sources of organizational power, and bases of authority to effectively lead a professionalized organization. One series of…

A COMPILATION OF 47 SELECTIONS FROM BOOKS, JOURNALS, AND RESEARCH REPORTS IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, THIS BOOK OF READINGS EITHER ABOUT VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS OR WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR THEM IS ADDRESSED TO LEADERS, BOARD MEMBERS, WORKING VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS AND TO BEHAVIORAL SCIENTISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS…