Describes ways teachers can support student teams: (1) starting on the right foot by laying the groundwork of group process; (2) increasing effectiveness by helping teams manage diversity and conflict; and (3) helping students learn from the teamwork experience. Appropriate coaching behaviors for each step are presented. (SK)

Art is a tool for self-expression and communication that moves beyond the limits of language and can be used effectively in facilitating the group process. Guidelines include creating trust, stimulating hope, preempting defensiveness, making it safe, instilling confidence, and giving everyone a chance to participate. (JOW)

Extension educators developed a self-evaluation tool with which groups can assess the success of the collaborative process. The checklist rates 13 factors: goals, communication, sustainability, research/evaluation, political climate, resources, catalysts, policies/laws, history, connectedness, leadership, community development, and understanding…

The 10-item Team Player Inventory assesses the degree to which individuals are positively predisposed toward organizational team-working environments. Discusses how this inventory will assist researchers in testing theoretical models of team effectiveness and practitioners in determining the degree to which specific individuals will react…

Discusses the characteristics of "good" and "bad" games used in adventure- or experiential-education settings. Good games are simultaneously familiar and exotic; have minimal rules and no clothing requirements; have an achievable "flow state"; and are cooperative, challenging, and accepting of failure that advances the group's problem-solving…

Describes five games (two for preschool children, three for all ages) used in adventure-, challenge-, and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and variations. The games act as icebreakers; build group trust and cooperation; or nurture positive,…

Peer-mentored collaborative-research groups promote collegial partnerships, maximize members' expertise, and enhance skill development. Such a work group needs a common philosophy and group goals; it should evolve as a group entity and monitor group processes. (SK)

The red-blue exercise (a variation of "prisoner's dilemma") is poorly suited for its intended goal of developing skills in conflict management, negotiation, and group dynamics. However, it may be used as an educational tool that illustrates complex systems in action. (SK)

Describes how the emotional climate in organizations arises and evolves and how it affects organizational dynamics, idea generation, creativity, adaptability, and facilitation or inhibition of learning. (SK)

Research has found that individual emotional intelligence has a group analog and it is critical to groups' effectiveness. Teams can develop greater emotional intelligence and boost their overall performance. (JOW)

Beginning group leaders are frequently called on to process significant events in a group, although little information exists in the literature that directly discusses how to perform this important group function. Offers a conceptual map for leaders to follow in processing group events. Provides examples of specific interventions that can be used…

Discusses possible leveling of status differentials within organizations, examining differential address forms (using first name or title/last name). Explores the pivotal role of naming in elaborating/leveling status differences, shifts in norms regarding naming within corporations, and how the social dynamics of naming illuminate inherent…

The emotional life of community organizations and their members has been neglected in community development, although it can have an impact at individual, societal, and micro-social levels. Both the instrumental tasks and the emotions of organizations must be addressed. Understanding group dynamics can create awareness of this dimension. (Contains…

Introduces interactive journal writing in which group members write not only for themselves or their leaders but also to communicate with other group members. Experience with this new format suggests that this adjunctive methodology complements the live group process, enhances a greater sense of community, and accelerates group cohesion. (Contains…

Asserting that cognitive maps can serve as a technique to review course readings in a small group format and allow students to both become familiar with course content and learn group processes. A sample map and evaluation sheet are also provided. (EV)