Tips for effective groups include the following: test assumptions, share relevant information, focus on interests, be specific, agree on meanings, explain reasons, disagree openly, invite feedback, jointly design solutions, discuss nondiscussable issues, keep focused, eliminate distractions, expect all to participate, decide by consensus, and…

Examines the diversity of concepts about teacher development, which varies in form and meaning depending upon contexts and value bases, and attempts to discover an underlying common core. The focus is on the development of self-awareness on which practical models for teacher development can be built. (14 references) (JL)

Describes a model for sequential stages of group development based on yogic chakra system. Compares chakra-based model with other models of group developmental stages. Using context of chakra system, specifies basic dynamic issues and leader interventions for each stage and discusses relationship of individual development to group process. (Author)

Describes selected conceptual and technical problems that often lead to manuscript rejections, and presents strategies for avoiding these problems when preparing reports on group research. Focuses on conceptual considerations, methodological considerations, interpretation of research results, and maintenance of a healthy perspective when preparing…

The cohort research group at the University of South Florida helps students complete dissertations while contributing to a collective body of research. Benefits include a framework, support system, and multiple perspectives. Limitations are management, conflict/competition, dependency, and narrow focus. (SK)

Presents the PARS model (focusing on Processing: Activity, Relationships, Self), a model for processing group activities that can be helpful in training beginning group leaders and that can provide a "road map" for group processing that can benefit group leaders. Provides an example application of the PARS model. (Author/GCP)

Discusses the origins and foundations of the Delphi technique. Outlines procedures for using it in research to obtain the insights of experts. Addresses limitations of the technique. (Contains 44 references.) (SK)

Tested hypothesis that children would compete more playing competitive games in tetrads than in dyads. Found that male target children competed more in tetrads than in dyads; female target children did not show different levels of competition based on group size. Based on a global measure of smiling, the emotional atmosphere was less positive in…

Group study in and out of the classroom is strongly advocated in this article. Group study improves students intellectually; when done effectively, it stimulates interest and increases confidence; effective group dynamics also improve classroom management strategies. Group study is typically resisted by students until they are exposed to,…

We examine an economy whose consumers have different discount factors for utility, possibly not exponential. We characterize the properties of efficient allocations of resources and of the shadow prices that would decentralize such allocations. We show in particular that the representative agent has a decreasing discount rate when, as is usually…

Discussion is given on the relevance of group dynamic processes in promoting decision-making in email discussion groups. General theories on social facilitation and social loafing are considered in the context of email groups, as well as the applicability of psychodynamic and interaction-based models. It is argued that such theories may indeed…

Although communication scholars have examined adult group processes, they have paid little attention to the peer group experiences of children and adolescents. Successfully gaining entry to peer groups is significant, in that rejection in childhood affects self-concept, social skills, and school successes. Guided by a bona fide groups perspective,…

This author is struck by two communication models she observes repeatedly that involve women's voices in meetings. In one model, the super-educated, pellucid, articulate woman, in meeting after meeting, makes suggestions, "points," or recommendations for initiatives, problem-solving, future direction, program improvement, decision making, or…

Educational researchers are accustomed to institutional review board (IRB) requirements (e.g., protecting participants) with students often identified as the only "vulnerable population" for IRB purposes. However, as practitioner research has gained more prominence, the vulnerability of teacher-researchers themselves has begun to…

As think tanks have become more numerous, visible, and seemingly influential, scholars have begun to pay more attention to them--analyzing their characteristics, their modes of operation, and their roles in policymaking. This "Policy Insight" builds on this work and examines the role of think tanks in civil society, with an emphasis on…