Reprints an article originally published in 1951. Argues that the group method should not be foisted on young teachers as the only way to teach. Notes that the group method requires a great deal of preparation and much teacher direction. Suggests that smart teachers will continue to use a variety of teaching methods. (RS)

Several activities for developing social skills using small group exercises, simulation games, and evaluation techniques are described. (Author/KM)

To bring educational research into focus with tested classroom practice, this booklet provides an introduction to small group discussion. The theory and research section discusses the importance of small group discussion, characteristics of small group discussions, group attraction based on Maslow's hierarchy of basic human needs, group decision…

Presents the small group discussion techniques of eight English teachers from junior high through university levels. (JG)

Describes the pros and cons of using small groups in the English classroom. Considers why some teachers succeed while others fail when trying to use small groups. Provides and illustrates four discussion-leading techniques which facilitate small group interaction. (HB)

Describes the way four teachers utilize and foster small group discussion in the English classroom. Provides numerous experiences that practicing English teachers have encountered in using small groups. Gives specific classroom techniques and advice for small group discussion administration. (HB)

This guidebook focuses on the problems facing teachers in small group teaching. It is organized in three parts, each dealing with a specific common problem. Part One deals with clarifying instructional goals for the group. Part Two concerns interaction within the group and between the students and the teacher. Part Three encompasses the…

Peer counselors (N=16) trained in human relations techniques, group dynamics, and decision-making skills conducted small groups with 122 potential dropouts. A five-way factorial multivariate analysis showed significant improvement in counselee attendance and decisiveness over the control groups, but results were inconclusive in demonstrating the…

Describes the Jigsaw technique, a small-group organization and instructional method which offers a highly interactive learning experience, and how it can be applied in adolescent and adult English-as-a-second-language classes or used as a model from which teachers can create their own instructional materials. (Author/CB)

Collaborative learning (the construction of knowledge through interaction of pairs or small groups of students) is an effective tool for helping students bridge the gap between speaking and writing. To accomplish this type of learning, students must practice talking and writing in a small group structure. Concrete teaching experience has shown…

This developmental paper generally describes a task oriented model for teaching about conflict and conflict resolution, using student groups for problem solving, which can be developed in the classroom. The model involves: 1) identification of the issue, topic, or problem by the entire class; 2) identification of ideas, concepts, or facets of…

Investigated why, contrary to expectations, group performance in a written test of problem solving was not better than individual performance. Examined protocols of students solving problems in groups and concluded that in much of the group discussion, students passed over right ideas in favor of simpler, but erroneous, ideas. (14 references) (MDH)

Examination of effects on 27 secondary students' Spanish vocabulary quiz performance of 2 variables (group versus individual study and group versus individual contingencies) found that, overall, group study was superior to individual study and, within the group study condition, group contingencies were superior to individual contingencies.…

The study described in this volume investigated the talk of thirteen-year-old boys and girls, recorded while they were working in small groups on tasks set by their teachers. Specifically, research focused on the interplay between cognitive and communicative functions of speech in contexts planned for learning. "The Children and Their Talk"…

In the course "Designs for English," high school students, working individually and in small groups, practice basic English skills as they explore universal themes. The course is built around 15 units that deal with a wide range of topics, including conflict resolution, communication, values, identity, and love. This paper describes how the course…