Presents a format for the assessment, evaluation, and comparison of the impact of encounter groups, illustrated by an evaluation of an encounter group of six students. The assessment procedure indicated desirable changes along several dimensions, but beneficial effects were not extensive. Emphasized the need for multimethod assessment. (JAC)

An ecosystem approach to evaluation attempts to involve those responding to the evaluation in the process of redesigning the environment. To evaluate residence hall life at Indiana University in 1983 using an ecosystem approach, 799 systematically selected college residence hall inhabitants (58% female, 49% freshmen) completed a questionnaire…

In teaching people to think, a theory is needed about the thought process and about how it is modified by intervention. Most approaches to training people to think focus on an intermediary or mediating process. To explore the effectiveness of a group support training method in modifying cognitive style, the performance of female college student…

Discusses the successful outcomes of the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program which aims to reduce the disproportionate loss of women from science and engineering majors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/WRM)

Used a general systems model to evaluate a self-help support group for medical students (N=26). Results showed most medical students sought out support groups to fulfill social affiliation needs and gain better self-understanding. Members shared many leadership functions and generally found the groups meaningful. (JAC)

This study examined learning transfer in adult acquisition of group process skills using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to staff development in one school district. The study's theoretical framework included learning transfer, adult and organizational learning, and group work. Subjects, 29 instructional leaders and administrators,…