An outline for a communication strategies training program/workshop is provided that is specifically designed to meet the preservice and inservice needs of special educators. It is based upon the collaborative consultant model and provides specific, but flexible, training plans. The various communication strategies are described: (1) empathetic…

Ways of determining when a school is ready to plan and implement major instructional improvements are presented. Three primary areas are suggested for in-depth exploration and consideration, and to facilitate the process the following problem-solving tools are outlined: (1) guidelines for assessing readiness for using a group problem-solving…

This program is designed for personnel working in alcohol service agencies who are responsible for planning and implementing prevention programs for youth. The training is most appropriate for the person who is just starting to plan a prevention program and who has only minimal experience in prevention work with youth. Training skills and…

This paper identifies a problem concerning the practice of adult education, and describes one person's response to that problem. The problem is the lack of systematic evaluation of instruction in the field of adult education, and, more particularly, the absence of sufficient evaluation literature that is both useful and practical to those who earn…

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)

A study examined three different approaches to the teaching of economic concepts and the development of problem-solving skills: a real life problem-solving experience, a contrived experience using simulation and gaming, and a discussion-workbook experience. (Author/JR)

Points out the importance of effective group work in all aspects of education. Provides group members and leaders with 15 practical guidelines concerning member behavior in groups and task or structural characteristics of groups. Suggestions deal with issues such as communication styles, group maintenance, group size, and reaching consensus. (JHZ)

Discusses how educational philosopher Joseph Schwab's conception of theory applies to curriculum development. Subtopics include the relationship of theory to practice; four universal components of education and their relationships; the curriculum development group, whose composition reflects the four components; and goal-directed versus…

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…

Article presents an approach for use by community action groups as a means for changing society from an impersonal, super-industrial'' state to one more responsive to human needs. (Author)

Describes a study comparing a combined system of lectures and problem sessions with a recitation class in engineering mechanics. No major differences were found in performance of students in either method. A significant difference in achievement was found with class size. The smaller the group the better the student performance." (Author/TS)

A slightly revised version of a paper presented at Central States Speech Association Conference (Chicago, April 11, 1970). (Editor/RD)

Found no single sequence of interaction phases that led to successful or unsuccessful group problem solving. Successful groups, however, tended to begin their discussions by attempting to analyze the problem before searching for solutions; unsuccessful groups immediately began searching for solutions. (PD)