Presents a microcomputer-based qualitative discriminant process (QDP) for scoring and ranking in group support systems that is relevant to group decision-making situations that involve the evaluation of alternatives. Scoring and ranking techniques are described, and a case illustration using the QDP is discussed. (Contains 50 references.) (LRW)

Reviews research on the relationship between children's self-esteem and coaching styles, and on the effects of race and gender on children's peer relations. Discusses implications for youth camps, including the importance of staff training in social-support enhancement techniques and peer-relations mediation. (LP)

Processing outdoor adventure activities allows participants to extract meaning from their learning and to generalize new learning to other settings and situations. Thirty program administrators completed a survey identifying essential facilitator processing skills in the following categories: fostering a caring environment, general communication…

This article describes a new counseling resource that blends art and descriptors to facilitate interpersonal exploration. The OH cards game blends the spontaneity of games and the imagination of art to enhance self-awareness, facilitate communication and thereby empower individuals. A variety of implementation strategies using the game are…

Analyzes how a new computer technology, Group Decision Support System (GDSS), affected how group decisions developed over time. Contrasts decision paths in groups using the GDSS with groups using GDSS procedural structures manually and with groups using no procedural structures. Finds that decision paths varied and were related to consensus…

Describes a sequential approach to learning that matches levels and types of activities to the developmental level of a group at any given stage of the learning process. Emphasizes the importance of facilitators encouraging participants to reflect on learning experiences through debriefing, processing, and transfer. Includes suggestions for…

Uses social exchange theory to examine the process by which employees are dismissed from organizations. Examines interview data from an exploratory study that suggests managers are influenced by information from group members as they calculate a cost-benefit ratio for the employer-employee relationship. Indicates a progression of communication…

Multicultural international programs, such as Educo International, involve complex and infinitely variable factors that challenge leaders. Provides some ground rules for leadership in such programs. Presents examples of experiences in Botswana with Russian, U.S., and Batswana participants. (KS)

The construction of artificial profiles, or stimuli, for judgment analysis (JAN) is discussed. JAN is a technique for identifying and analyzing the policies of a group of judges for rating the profiles of personnel or applicants. Conditions under which artificial profiles are successfully used are discussed. (SLD)

This study employed direct observation to assess social interaction patterns of eight employees with severe disabilities and seven without disabilities in a supported employment setting. Variance was substantial among individual employees. Although patterns of interaction were similar between groups, statistically significant differences were…

Discussion of the advantages of local area networks (LANs) focuses on their use for successful cooperative learning. Individual and group assessment of success are discussed, effects on academic and affective achievement are considered, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs to use with networking are suggested. (19 references) (LRW)

Conference workshops on gender, experiential learning through the lifespan, and action research provide examples of methods of enhancing understanding of social structures and political interventions in academic and professional communities. One challenge in this method is the unpredictability of the outcomes of experiential events. (SK)

Although music performance classes may include one or two public concerts each year, these concerts should not be the main class focus. Fine music programs can be identified by their balance, curriculum quality, activity level, and opportunity for students of all abilities. (MLH)

Summarizes a case study revealing divergent judgments of a teacher career ladder in two junior high schools. Educators in the two sites strongly disagreed over how "reformed" tasks and responsibilities influenced instruction and student learning. A deductive case analysis disclosed individual/group dynamics embedded in group role perceptions.…

Ways in which to revive and promote creativity in campus activities programming are offered. Specific steps to take, particularly in committee meetings, to energize individual thinking and group processes and to improve programming and publicity are detailed. (MSE)