Briefly describes a point system used in a course on group methods to provide greater flexibility for students. (CJ)

The value of a "miscellany"--prose, poetry, drama, and music centering on a particular theme--staged by secondary students lies in its adaptability. It may be created by and for a group of individuals, with the staging, lighting effects, arrangement of pieces, and grouping of performers all planned to express most effectively the mood or idea of…

Describes study circles as a nonformal, learner-centered approach to education. Discusses the role of the facilitator, group format and function, and raises professional issues that group workers need to consider. (JAC)

Presents theoretical analysis of dynamics of self help groups with special reference to dimensions of volunteer participation. Annotated bibliography ("Self Help and Rehabilitation ) available from author at UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California 90024. (Author)

This study represents one effort to systematically examine concrete instances in well-defined settings, with some knowledge of the variables involved--the input as well as the feedback and the output of the encounter groups. (Author/KMG)

This article states that Synanon is a humanistic organization built around an innovation in organizational theory: the small group interactive process called the Synanon game. It focuses on Synanon's organizational design and theory, emphasizing placing a small group process at the core of the structured corporate-style organizational system. (KC)

Examined acceptance and congruence in four Tavistock groups consisting of college student volunteers (N=30) using scales measuring curative factors, group process, and congruence. Found participants with higher rankings on the group acceptance measures experienced greater degrees of congruence following the group experience. Discusses implications…

This study attempted to induce innovations by encouraging groups of teachers to discuss their professional practices during six weekly meetings in self directed T Groups. The results showed an increase in innovation though differences among buildings existed and new ideas and innovations disappeared once the regular meetings stopped. (Author/CG)

An approach to teaching particularly well-suited to communication courses seeks to involve students in the learning process more directly by incorporating team teaching in communication courses--not by professors but by students. Groups of students in each class form into teams with the purpose of setting goals and planning projects for furthering…

Research suggests a strong association between the existence of professional learning communities within schools, increases in the effectiveness of practice, and improvement in student achievement. This paper describes the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), a professional development program at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at…

Teacher support groups can promote professional development by encouraging ownership of the professional agenda, enhancing collegial interaction, and reducing program fragmentation. A survey revealed that teacher groups formed by teachers enabled members to find personal and professional support within the group, while groups sponsored by the…

Problems in organizational groups are often defined around one pivotal and difficult group member. Based upon C. Stohl and S. Schell's concepts of farrago (a confusing group member who becomes the relational focus of the group), 28 undergraduate students and management personnel who frequently participate in group work were interviewed to validate…

This research explored the implications for a teacher in undertaking small-group work in the classroom. The two resources used were "The Practice of Group Work" by William Schwartz and "Group Work in Secondary Schools", and the "Training of Teachers in Its Methods" by Barrington Kaye and Irving Rogers. The first resource was concerned with…

The author describes an experimental group activity designed in England for 13 to 14 year olds which allowed participants the freedom in the art of building of social relationships. Discussed are the rules for the self-directed group activity, the group pressures and processes experienced by the adolescents, and the teacher's role. (Author/RM)

Describes six types of critique hours that can be used as a forum for the interchange of ideas among students. Through their own self-appraisal students gain a respect for each others' attitudes, philosophies, creativity, and other attributes. (JR)