A. J. Romiszowski developed a schematic model for analyzing performance problems. Whether a problem lies with staff members or their environment is determined first. Staff problems are grouped according to past performance. Work environment problems include work methods, management systems, and job organization. Model emphasizes flexibility and…

Camp experiences are fertile ground for developing youth leadership skills such as self-awareness, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ethics and responsibilities associated with leadership. Discusses camp activities that develop each of these skills, and the role of camps in reversing high-risk behaviors by providing adequate support…

Business students (n=22) who completed writing assignments in face-to-face collaborations were compared to those (n=40) using group support systems software. Posttest performance was significantly higher for both groups. Software users had significantly higher performance on the content and organization components of writing. (SK)

Provides details of a study that examined interactions and questioning patterns in the electronic communication exchanges of students (N=21) enrolled in a course designed to provide direction in using an electronic network as an instructional medium. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Basic concepts of experiential learning theory are presented to assist camp directors in choosing knowledgeable staff and developing successful adventure programs. These concepts include assessment of learner (camper) readiness, activity sequencing, learning cycle, comfort zone, activity framing, task goals versus process goals, and five stages of…

Because the researcher's interpretation is the final word, traditional research reinforces relations of domination. When popular theater is used as research methodology, the interviewer's interpretation is performed immediately following data collection, and interviewees offer their interpretations of the interpretation. This gives voice to those…

Studied the effects of group ability composition (homogeneous versus heterogeneous) on group processes and outcomes for high-ability students completing science assessments. Results for 83 high ability students show the quality of group functioning serves as the strongest predictor of high-ability students' performance and explained much of the…

A case study of a New Zealand primary school coprincipalship describes the impact of some intergroup misunderstandings and struggles over power. Concludes that building a democratic school community requires a set of considerations and practices different from those promoted within a market-managerial approach. (Contains 7 notes and 51…

Research shows that well-managed conflicts can enrich a group, if good (cognitive) conflict is encouraged and bad (affective) conflict is discouraged. A model developed to understand how disabled people are treated at work suggests that there is a need to change beliefs about, as well as behavior towards, disabled people. Implications for camp are…

Describes strategies for disciplining campers: establishing a caring atmosphere; using praise; modeling positive behavior; using time-outs; keeping campers busy; using conflict resolution; and improving communication with campers by using words they understand, getting on their level, establishing eye contact, using I-messages, and using humor…

Examines how students with weak computer-mediated communication (CMC) skills fare in CMC courses that require high levels of peer interaction. Subjects were 11 male and 4 female inservice teachers. Findings indicate that students' CMC skills had only a modest impact on their participation in the course; students with less developed skills…

Proposes a model for conceptualizing changes in novelty experienced by students in informal settings. Presents a case study and discusses patterns of verbal and non-verbal student behavior with reference to the level of novelty experienced. Reports that student behavior was found to vary with changes in the level of novelty experienced. Contains…

Presents a scenario that illustrates some negative side effects of independent and interdependent group-oriented contingencies. Makes recommendations for altering group- oriented contingencies to reduce these negative side effects and to increase the probability that teachers will use these contingencies to increase students' academic performance…

Reviews the literature on groupware (a type of software that supports people working together by facilitating group processes) illustrating the strengths of the software for group learning. Describes a case study where groupware was used in a macroeconomics course during an economic impact project. (CMK)

The novelty and challenge of the wilderness, often cited as the basis for growth, can also precipitate emotional crises. Leaders should help the participant restore equilibrium through empathic listening and emotional support. If that fails, a model is presented for inhibiting the escalation of aggression or violence. Defusing and debriefing after…