Using a brief experiential group activity called "Choosing a Color Exercise" as an introductory measure, this paper explains the basics of group dynamics and reviews the major theoretical relationships between the group's structure, the dynamics of maintenance and task behaviors, and effective individual performances. The types of functional and…

This booklet is a collection of stories by people who have facilitated Personal Futures Planning groups. The groups provide an individualized, structured approach to life planning for people with developmental or other disabilities and have been implemented since 1988 in Minnesota. Introductory material describes the process, which starts when a…

This module is designed to enhance employees' problem-solving abilities by improving their communication skills. The module, which is designed to be presented by a single facilitator in six weekly sessions, focuses on three areas of communication: listening, discussing, and acting. Covered in the module sessions are the role of communication and…

This monograph argues that the case method of instruction, used effectively in legal and medical education, offers unique potential for revitalizing the field of teacher education. A description of the use of the case method in two different teaching sessions demonstrates how the method can exemplify the way a teacher frames and solves a dilemma…

In April 1989, a group of 30 educators from across New York State met for 3 days' intense discussion of impediments to shared decision making in schools. The seminar format modeled the communication and group dynamics considered an essential part of the shared decision-making process. The facilitator's role quickly changed from directive to…

This chapter explains how the Guided Design method of teaching can be used to solve problems, and how this method was used in the development of a new method of teaching. Called the Feedback Lecture, this method is illustrated through an example, and research data on its effectiveness is presented. The Guided Decision-Making Process is also…

By structuring the manner group members use to reach a decision, managers can affect the processes and outcomes of decision making. Business administration undergraduates (N=78) were randomly assigned to three groups and told to make group decisions based on the process their manager selected, i.e., they were either to seek concurrence, debate…

This document focuses on four children in a small group, solving word problems aloud. Different aspects of how children in small groups approach problems were revealed; certain characteristics of their attempts to solve problems suggest a variety of questions for further research. These pupils were part of a project that involved six groups of…

A study was made to determine client system leadership expectations in individual and group problem situations. A questionnaire was developed, and validated by a panel, which asked respondents to rank three solution approach alternatives for individual and group problems--individual, group or key person nature. It was mailed to 190 community…

The second research report in a continuing investigation of group communication via computer networks describes a series of field tests designed to identify the basic parameters of human interaction in computer-based teleconferencing. The method used in the tests is described, and the research approach used in analyzing the tests is outlined. Ten…

This human relations program consists of a series of weekly classroom discussions and activities in the fifth through seventh grades, which give each student an opportunity to: (1) express, openly, opinions on matters of importance to him; (2) recognize and accept the feelings and concerns he shares with his peers; (3) consider how his feelings…

Two approaches to psychological consultation were combined for school staff development and improved organizational functioning: data feedback with group discussion. The staffing team revised its procedures to utilize time of teachers and special services personnel more efficiently, to improve staffing team morale, and to provide better services…

Authors express their concern for the children whose identities, still so much in the process of growth, are under great pressure from teachers who engage in classroom versions of encounter groups. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the benefits of discovery learning, as opposed to a direct, lecture method, and offers 10 discovery strategies, such as playing 20 questions, using the Socratic method, and problem solving. (JC)

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of forum discussion embedded within metacognitive guidance on mathematical literacy. In particular the study compares two learning environments: (a) Forum discussion with metacognitive guidance (FORUM+META); and (b) Forum discussion without metacognitive guidance (FORUM). Participants…