Students often use study groups to prepare for class or exams; yet to date, we know very little about how these groups actually function. This study looked at the ways in which undergraduate organic chemistry students prepared for exams through self-initiated study groups. We sought to characterize the methods of social regulation, levels of…

The Fritz J. Roethlisberger Memorial Award for the best article in the 2011 "Journal of Management Education" goes to Rae Andre for her article, Using Leadered Groups in Organizational Behavior and Management Survey Courses ("Journal of Management Education," Volume 35, Number 5, pp. 596-619). In keeping with Roethlisberger's legacy, this year's…

A model is described for changing the emphasis of training in an organization from a teaching process to one of encouraging learning. A case study gives an example of a learning circle in operation. (Author/SK)

A method for employees to conduct group learning projects is described, including development of three phases (orientation, learning, continuation) and four project types (liberal-contractual, vertical-regulated, horizontal-organic, and external-collegial). (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

The University of Nebraska's Home Management Group Project involves groups of four to six students in the accomplishment of a self-determined goal on a topic in home management. The activity provides an opportunity for practical application of theory as well as for practice in group relations. (SK)

This article describes the stages and processes in the growth of a self-development group, designed to increase a manager's capacity and willingness to be responsible for his/her own learning. Availability: M.E.A.D. Subscriptions, C.S.M.L., University of Lancaster, Lancaster LA1 4YX, England. (SK)

Small group inquiry changes the leadership role of the teacher to create an open classroom and focus on the social and intellectual development of the student as a future thinking and adaptive citizen, not just a reluctant member of an audience for specialized information. (Author)

Used correctly, teams can increase productivity, raise morale, and spur innovation. Tips for effective teams include using the right team to do the right job, creating a hierarchy of teams, building an atmosphere of trust, and addressing interpersonal issues. (SK)

Self-help mutual aid groups are organized by peers who share a common problem. Through group identification, mutual support, and modeling, behavior is directed toward learning a new coping life style. The self-help group model is considered here as a viable and necessary part of a total rehabilitation service system. (Author)

A group of 33 municipal government managers received training in teamwork and feedback skills. Compared to 32 controls, the treatment group perceived their teams as more effective. Increased use of feedback skills caused managers to view themselves and their work groups as more proactive, engaged, and cohesive. (SK)

The small-group process is discussed in relation to its use as a teaching method; the objections to and advantages of small groups are enumerated, and numerous group interaction diagrams are listed. Also, various exercises and guidelines for successful group application are presented. A final section is devoted to the different kinds of groups and…

Article analyses the nature of artificial barriers which a technological society sets up between people by emphasizing product rather than product-as-a-part-of-process. Author looks at encounter groups attempts to break down these barriers. (HB)

A workshop is described which provided the counseling staff with exposure to a group learning experience. This program has potential for growth which warrants its continued consideration. (CJ)

Examined the interaction patterns of adult creative problem solvers within small, leaderless groups. Presented divergent thinking problems to two groups and categorized their discussions. Results indicated the creative person plays a central role in determining task-oriented directions by initiating and receiving more orienting behaviors. (RC)

Japan Air Lines has developed a training technique called "unprogramed instruction" in which the trainees set up the schedule and training objectives with the instructor. Advantages and limitations of the self-directing method are presented. (MW)