This article reports on an investigation of students learning of physics during group discussions around context-rich problems in introductory physics courses at university level. We present the results from video recordings of student groups solving three different problems. We found that group discussions around physics problems can lead to…

Due to the increased importance and usage of self-managed virtual teams, many recent studies have examined factors that affect their success. One such factor that merits examination is the configuration or composition of virtual teams. This article tackles this point by (1) empirically testing trait-configuration effects on virtual team…

This article describes the formation of a pedagogy-focused online discussion group for middle school mathematics teachers. Advice is offered for those seeking to establish similar conversations among their colleagues.

This manual contains a workshop curriculum that offers background information and activities rooted in the whole language approach. It is designed to address needs of employees with skill levels below fifth grade. Section I is an introduction to the changing workplace environment. Sections II-V cover problem solving, communication (speaking…

A test of distributional and sequential structure. (CH)

A review of small group communication research published mostly in regional and national journals up to 1969." (Author)

This study reports the impact of high sensitivity to early exchange in 11th-grade, CSCL triads solving well- and ill-structured problems in Newtonian Kinematics. A mixed-method analysis of the evolution of participation inequity (PI) in group discussions suggested that participation levels tended to get locked-in relatively early on in the…

The purpose of this communication group is to train parents in the skills of active listening and conflict resolution. The model borrows extensively from Gordon's Parent Effectiveness Training. The parents learn to use communication skills and problem-solving techniques. (Author/PC)

Currently, numerous on-line discussion forums have been developed for educational purposes; therefore, a better understanding about peer student discussion or discourse interactions is quite important. Through gathering peer learning interactions on 57 college computer science students, who were randomly assigned into 14 small groups for solving…

In order to collaborate effectively in group discourse on a topic like mathematical patterns, group participants must organize their activities in ways that share the significance of their utterances, inscriptions, and behaviors. Here, we report the results of a ethnomethodological case study of collaborative math problem-solving activities…

One of the most valuable skills in group decision making is the ability to make trustworthy judgments about group performance. It follows from the "inferential model" of social cognition (Pavitt, 1989; Pavitt & Hight, 1986), that there are three types of judgments relevant to the group context: (1) behavioral (what the group did);…

In brainstorming a group attempts to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously contributed by members. Brainstorming is recommended when the generation of ideas will be beneficial to the solution of problems. Four fundamental rules of brainstorming include: (1) criticism is not allowed during the thinking…

This collection of notes for novice conference planners provides information explaining the process of planning and implementing a statewide conference on families. Topics such as building preparation, exhibits and displays, finances, interpreters, keynote speaker, lunch and coffee breaks, funding and personnel as well as program scheduling and…

The author provides background on the junto and defines its role as a voluntary discussion group attempting to solve problems. She describes recent uses of the junto at conferences and provides guidelines for planning a typical group. (CH)

This book describes an inquiry-oriented form of professional development--the New Teacher Group--which provides teachers with opportunities to engage in discussions with their peers about problems experienced in their professional lives. Blending school psychology and teacher education, the book adapts a consultee-centered consultation model…