Examines the relationship between sex and sex- type and leadership in small discussion groups. Results indicate personality influences leadership only during initial group interaction. The best characterization of social and task leadership is via psychological sex type rather than biological sex. Suggests leadership style dogmatism and motivation…

This guide provides a framework for study circles to use in discussing how to strengthen the economy for the long run. The guide takes into account the current recession, but goes beyond it to focus on basic economic trends. Part 1 lays out four general views of the primary cause of problems in the U.S. economy: (1) the decline of the work ethic;…

SYNCON is a tool to examine future options; it is a process that begins with small groups, merges to larger composite groups, and finally one total group so that all members of a group can contribute towards the solution of a complex problem. (Author)

This book is a guide is for school practitioners who want to know more about planning and conducting focus groups as an aid to decision-making. It emphasizes practical and cost-effective ways to ensure accurate results. After defining the focus group, chapter 1 offers ways focus groups can be used in schools and reasons for using them. Chapter 2…

In teaching students to write extended definitions it is essential for writing instructors to teach students the concept of criteria. Without such a concept students will never be able to write effective definitions on their own. The criteria they establish for a particular definition allow them to judge which items support their positions on an…

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health grant MH-08274.

Full study of small group communication must include consideration of task and socio-emotional dimensions, especially in relation to group problem solving. Thirty small groups were tested for their reactions in various "ad hoc" conflict resolution situations. Instructions to the groups were (1) no problem-solving instructions (control),…

This study examines the viability of time limit as an independent variable for investigating the decision-making process. Three major aspects of time and decision making are investigated: (1) time and accuracy of group decision, (2) time and member satisfaction with the group decision, and (3) time and perceived accuracy of group decision. A pilot…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and the effectiveness of the use of an on-line community to support preservice teacher and new teacher interaction and development. Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MaSTech) was designed to connect middle grade mathematics preservice teachers and beginning teachers with their peers as well…

Describes how guided design is applied to a freshman engineering course so that professional and social concerns are integrated into a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Principals and counselors can work together to prevent stress and burnout in teachers, resulting in a healthier school climate. This article suggests five objectives that can provide a basis for program building. (Author/WD)

This curriculum guide outlines a course in discussion for college sophomores or those who have taken a communication fundamentals course. This guide emphasizes the principles of discussion and group dynamics and their applications to groups engaged in information-sharing or problem-solving tasks. The course is divided into two principal units with…

Conveys the power and value of collaborative conversation among a small group of language teacher educators who meet regularly to discuss practice. Excerpts from a discussion are presented to show a sample of real issues the teachers face and illustrate how the conversations allow ongoing feedback about real dilemmas from a supportive community of…

The adult educational methods eliminate teaching but draw upon and mobilize knowledge and understanding already existing in individuals, making it generally available: (1) a type of brainstorming which avoids one-track discussion and one-member domination, and (2) a structured, task-based, personal encounter utilizing resource packets. (Author/AJ)

Describes some of the common elements in activities of non-therapeutic groups (such as Synanon Recovery, etc.) and suggests kinds of persons most likely to be helped by them. (CJ)