This article briefly describes the Teacher Performance-Motivation Theory and its preservice and inservice implications. This model offers a tool for understanding classroom performance problems and suggests a range of approaches for supporting teacher effectiveness. (MT)

Describes a hands-on activity that explores how individuals learn, perceive, and make decisions about the environment. The activity allows participants to discover their teaching/learning styles, explore the design process as a decision-making tool, and experience the process of locating local resources for classroom use. (BC)

Notes that the success of a writing effort for technical writers sometimes depends on their ability to bring a group of people together, elicit cooperation and involvement, and put thoughts down on paper. Presents three techniques that may be used to deal effectively with group projects: the group calculator, the Japanese Ringi system, and the…

Following a brief presentation of Harold Lasswell's model of the social process, the authors discuss problems of policy formation and meaning determination, describe the "decision seminar" proposed by Lasswell as a technique for facilitating collective problem-solving, and provide illustrations of the seminar's successful application to…

Data from 12 rural community problem-solving groups working with extension agents were studied to explore the relationship between group and individual growth and (1) agent self-actualization and (2) certain group trait variables. Individual and group growth was found to be highly related to small group size, high ratings of problem importance,…

Seventeen five-member groups of secondary students were studied as they attempted to solve a science problem through group discussion. Results of the study show both advantages and disadvantages of this type of instruction. (MLH)

Introduces the concept of formal and informal groups in a variety of settings, including the classroom. Argues that informal group processes in the classroom do make a difference in the accomplishment of formal learning goals and provides suggestions for legitimizing communication about student feelings and for giving to students formal…

The social environments of 42 student living groups were measured by the University Residence Environment Scale, which assesses 10 salient dimensions of the social environment. Impacts on student self-descriptions and feelings are described. (Author/LBH)

Currently, there is a move toward a new pluralism that extends beyond conventional mores. This article discussed the responsibility of schools within that development. (RK)

Leader behavior of males and females in three-person experimental groups was investigated in varying contexts. Deviating from stereotypical expectations, females reacted to "achieved" leader role by relatively intense leadership efforts, a response predicted for males but not females. Also, both sexes addressed more directive behavior toward own…

This whitepaper outlines the development and use of the Zing team learning system (TLS) and suggests this tool represents a new breed of collaborative tool for the development of useable knowledge arising from group learning and problem solving. A key feature of this tool is that it scaffolds the learner's use of the thinking and decision making…

This study investigated the relationship in conceptual change scores between members of dyads paired for a photosynthesis simulation exercise. The relationship between an individual's epistemological sophistication and understanding of photosynthesis was also examined. The sample consisted of 255 biological sciences majors enrolled in a biology…

Experiential educators are encouraged to include singing in their curriculum. Singing offers a dynamic form of creative engagement and can assist learners in taking risks in their learning and in active experimentation. As a holistic learning tool, singing engages the six capabilities that humans have for learning: physical, emotional, cognitive,…

Experiential practitioners have the opportunity to help groups move to a higher level of functioning, getting beyond unresolved emotional issues and becoming more truthful, immediate, involved, and collaborative. This critical process takes place along a continuum from "staying safe and shallow" at one end to "going deep and…

Social rhetorics have historically and recently been criticized on ethical grounds. According to Kurt Spellmeyer, Cultural "Constructions of Knowledge" are oppressive and often lead to a betrayal of the individual, while Donald Stewart, is of the opinion that the "excesses" of social construction can lead to a police state, the…