This article reports results of a study that tracked growth factors in experiential training groups through Tuckman's conceptual framework of group development using Critical Incidents methodology and quantitative description. We sought to explore whether different growth factors varied in salience over the course of each of the groups' life and…

Promoting open reflection and exploration on group dynamics is delicate work and is often considered 'not very business-like' in a business context. How to approach this work is a constant balance and struggle for action learning practitioners. In this account of practice, we present central elements in our action learning framework -- Action…

Over the past decades, Learning & Development has become an area of growing interest and constant research. As a result, there is an abundance of studies and models that target the development of educators. However, the professional development of educators should be built on a comprehensive framework of research-based instructional strategies…

The focus of this paper is how we can facilitate problem based learning (PBL) more creatively. We take a closer look upon the connection between creative processes and social communication in the PBL group including how difficulties in the social interplay may hinder creativity. The paper draws on group dynamic theory, and points out the…

The purpose of this study was to identify student growth factors during a semester long Master's level group counseling class. Results indicated that 12 growth factors accounted for 86% of the total number of critical incidents that participants reported as influencing their personal growth and awareness during the group experience. Two other…

The persistent research-to-practice gap poses a problem for counselor education. The gap may be caused by conflicts between the humanistic values that guide much of counseling and the values that guide research training. In this article, the authors address historical concerns regarding research training for students and the conducting of research…

A facilitator is commonly defined as a substantively neutral person who manages the group process in order to help groups achieve identified goals or purposes. However, outdoor educators rarely experience the luxury of only managing the group process, because they are typically responsible for the provision of leadership, skill instruction, and…

The Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (CSEE&T) is the premier international peer-reviewed conference, sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) Computer Society, which addresses all major areas related to software engineering education, training, and professionalism. This year, as…

The learning sequence (TLS) is an adaptable, dynamic framework for designing any learning experience. TLS consists of seven steps (sense of each other, sense of place, group norms, relevance, the experience itself, reflection, transfer) that provide a foundation, a reference point to return to when an unexpected situation arises, and a common…

Forensics programs can be laboratories for small group processes, whether or not they are explicitly recognized by either the participants or their teachers. Small group dynamics, as identified by M. Shaw (1981), are present and clearly define the forensic activity as a small group experience. The combination of being a small group, spending…

Proposes a framework for using experiential programs to facilitate community building through individual and organizational learning. Discusses single-loop and double-loop learning by individuals and organizations, use of reflection and metaphors, program design, and dialog as an approach to creating shared meaning. Contains 21 references. (SV)

J. Pfeiffer and J. Jones' experiential learning model can be modified to direct students toward learning principles, processes and skills which have an influence on relationship dynamics. Students have a particular relationship in mind (called a focus partner) as they study the concepts. Students are encouraged to watch how the concepts would…

Identifies series of predictable stages through which small groups progress: pre-affiliation, power and control, intimacy, differentiation, and separation. Shows application of group development for each area as group passes through various stages. Outlines model for each area summarizing group interaction and instructor roles for each stage. (NEC)

The underlying values and principles of the "common adventure" model are presented. Features of a common adventure trip include a group of individuals working cooperatively toward mutual goals and sharing expenses, decision making, and responsibilities equitably. The common adventure model is contrasted with adventure education,…

Examination of problem-focused and solution-focused facilitation approaches used with functional and dysfunctional corporate groups found that both approaches were equally effective at increasing teamwork in functional corporate groups; that problem-focused facilitation was less effective with dysfunctional corporate groups; and that…