Compared in two experiments were the problem solving attitudes of 30 boys (ages 7 to 14 years) in a recreation camp and 53 boys (ages 7- to 17 years) in a camp for emotionally disturbed children which emphasized the development of problem solving skills. (DB)

Analyzes sensitivity training and problem-solving discussion groups by examining the group goals, feedback processes, developmental tendencies and leadership qualities. Focus points for future research are suggested. (MH)

This report describes a group problem-solving approach to educating disadvantaged elementary school children. It is suggested that aggressive verbal exchange and active solution to real life problems are potent tools for helping disadvantaged students become active learners and creative participants in society. Methods for conducting such a group…

Cites the advantages of studying the group process through the historical example and notes specific principles that students can draw from these models to apply to their own discussion groups. (MH)

Builds on previous research with this detailed analysis of multiple decision sequences in two sets of groups: students performing a ranking task and physicians performing a program planning task. Finds support for the Multiple Sequence Descriptive System and isolates types of conflict and idea development patterns. (PD)

Suggests combining the Delphi technique and the nominal group process technique to improve the collective decision-making of school curriculum and other committees. Both methods require group members to respond in writing. A five-step agenda with sample questions illustrates the approach. (MLF)

The use of a group process approach to social problem solving with 32 12- and 13-year-old hearing impaired adolescents is described. It is explained that the classroom meetings lasted about 15 minutes and that the initial sessions focused on student's reactions to the class bully. The roles of the teacher in the group are discussed. (PHR)

This study examined the use of online argumentation scaffolds to engage and support coherent argumentation. Participants were students in an undergraduate economics course. Results showed that providing a constraint-based argumentation scaffold during group problem-solving activities increased the generation of coherent arguments and resulted in…

Transcripts from three problem-solving discussions involving eight or fewer social scientists were analyzed by nonlinear regression to determine whether the groups' productivity was chaotic over time. It was shown that the productivity was chaotic, correlated with the number of active discussion threads, and dependent on the discussion…

Describes three games for all ages, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing where appropriate. The games demonstrate the tenets of adventure programming, involve group…

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;…

Force field analysis encourages members to examine the probability of reaching agreed-upon goals. It can help groups avoid working toward goals that are unlikely to be reached. In every situation are three forces: forces that encourage maintenance of the status quo or change; driving or helping forces that push toward change; and restraining…

There has been much discussion recently of the effect that gender and learning style have on student performance. Educators have attempted to develop new teaching and assessment strategies that accommodate a variety of learning styles, and both males and females are becoming more aware of gender-related traits and their relationship to classroom…