A college teacher's survey of 100 freshmen found only 11 who planned to study in groups, and that most would do so for subjects they believed the most difficult, particularly those requiring quantitative problem-solving and those in which assessment was more frequent. Most believed that reading and writing were solitary, not group, tasks. (MSE)

Explored group leader cognitions and the function experience plays in leaders' cognitive schemas. Participants (n=60) wrote down their thoughts while viewing a 20-minute videotape of a group session. Examination of the 1,299 thoughts revealed a cognitive-behavior schemata that involved all the elements necessary for effective cognitive skill…

Total Quality uses group methods to identify and collectively prevent or solve specific problems related to consumer satisfaction and quality issues in business. This article integrates social influencing strategies with developmental group processes for facilitating consumer satisfaction and problem-solving in total quality groups. A case study…

Presents a structured group intervention for working with highly self-critical individuals. Argues that excessive self-criticism is an appropriate focus for a structured group approach. Reports on the group model, goals, session activities, and postgroup feedback and observations. Research directions are also suggested. (RJM)

Managing the psychological depth of responses to adventure activities calls for the leader to attend to own language and language of group participants. Describes eight levels of psychological depth occurring during group discussion and interaction. Addresses the need to stay at or above the agreed-upon level and avoid moving into psychotherapy.…

Sally Helgesen's book, "The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership," is reviewed. The book was based on a survey of women concerning leadership and addresses gender differences in management and leadership styles; management as a circular process; group communication; and leader roles. (MSE)

Reflections on work in teacher inservice courses and staff development in Aboriginal, women's, and multicultural studies lead to the concept of a politics of location: the recognition that people come from different positions of gender, class, race, and ethnicity and the resulting consequences of their particular experience infuse their…

A theory of group development is used to organize a social work course teaching the task force approach to community policy formation. An advanced course on homelessness illustrates the method. It is suggested that some courses can incorporate both substantive content and innovative group methods to satisfy two requirements. (MSE)

Interviews with 21 present and former female gang members illustrate the lives of Mexican American girls in the gang milieu of the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles, California). Gang structure, activities, and reasons for joining are discussed, along with the gang as a source of support. (SLD)

Describes a study that was designed to investigate the relationship between certain features of interactive video design and the deployment and development of cognitive problem-solving skills. Middle school mathematics students used for the study are described, the use of videotapes and interviews is discussed, and group dynamics are examined. (26…

A computer-based group decision support system (GDSS) to increase collaborative group productivity and creativity is explained. Various roles for the computer are identified, and implementation of GDSS systems at the University of Mississippi and International Business Machines are described. The GDSS is seen as fostering productivity through…

Task and maintenance roles of group process used in icebreakers prepare students to participate in and learn from group process. Group communication principles applied in the use of icebreakers or group development techniques enhance the instructor's ability to create a learning environment and ensure student participation in a freshman seminar.…

Provides advice about using cooperative learning in science instruction. Advice pertains to setting up groups and strategies for group work. (PR)

College faculty can minimize problems in grading students' cooperative projects by carefully structuring the five basic elements of formal cooperative learning groups: positive interdependence; individual and group accountability; face-to-face promotive interaction; teamwork skills; and group processing. There must also be sufficient reason for…

Fairview YMCA Camps (New Jersey) simultaneously hosts three different camp programs. Sense of community is created by shared staff training, shared staff facilities, common areas, and social and project intermingling. Campers also make cross-program connections, influenced by staff behavior and shared facilities and activities. Shared marketing…