A study was done in which preservice education teachers were randomly assigned to a group approach to human relations training, a traditional approach, or a control group. The group approach was designed to develop group cohesiveness. Both group and traditional approaches had greater scores on empathic responding than the control group had. (JN)

Suggests small group techniques that maximize classroom opportunities for student activity, and describes some oral and written tasks that have proved highly effective. Explains how group dynamics can offer support to students and help them break down some of their inhibitions about speaking a foreign language. (MES)

Reports a replication of earlier research showing no significant differences in dissent between states where the chief judge was chosen by merit and states with arbitrary selection. Suggests the two variables may not be related or may be overshadowed by other considerations. (JAC)

The social interaction and social organization patterns of 408 Israeli kindergarten children and first graders engaged in outdoor free play were observed for 40 minutes each day for three continuous weeks. (Author/CM)

Examined assertive bids of elementary school children engaged in a cooperative task. Results from kindergarten and grade one participants support previous research regarding greater male assertiveness and attempts to influence other boys. By grade three, girls' overall assertiveness equaled that of boys. (Author/DB)

Discusses the process whereby a variety of resources (human, informational, material) are brought together and fitted into problem-solving situations to achieve goals set by individuals, groups, or communities. Describes the Missouri community development system. (JOW)

Stresses the benefits of interorganizational relationships formed within an association of organizations. Consequences of abstaining from such groups may be self-interest, professional alienation and a weakened structure. The organizations discussed are the National Employment Counselors Association and the American Personnel and Guidance…

Participants in experiential groups initially use constructs which are different for referring to other members of the T groups than those they use with people making up their "real life groups." Experiential groups are seen by the participants as a "privileged social space" which permits different ways of relating. (Author)

Investigated group interaction and mathematical errors of 11th-grade students working individually and in four-person heterogeneous ability groups. Averaging over all types of errors, high-ability students did best in individual conditioning, low-ability students did best in group conditioning, and medium-ability students did equally well in both.…

Remarkably versatile and demonstrated as effective at all grade levels, the discussion method has great potential for classroom teaching. Teachers should use this method more often because it teaches students to speak freely, listen to others, analyze different points of view, and evaluate the effectiveness of a discussion. (CMJ)

The scores of the officers who had undergone the training program demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge of life skills, a stronger sense of self-confidence, and a somewhat lower dogmatic attitude. (Author)

Instructional development projects in Medical Terminology and Orientation to Hearing Aids are reviewed to demonstrate the procedural steps used and the interactive dynamics employed by development teams at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Six references are provided. (MER)

An intervention package consisting of immediate feedback, delayed social reinforcement, and early access to free time was designed and implemented in an attempt to increase the participation of four-year-old nursery school students in a group activity session. Participation increased when the feedback and praise conditions were introduced. (Author)

Five studies on the advantages and disadvantages of small groups in teaching in higher education are discussed. These include works by M. L. Johnson Abercrombie; Barbara Cockburn and Alex Ross; M. L. J. Abercrombie and P. M. Terry; and Jean Rudduck. (JMF)