Introduces research conducted by the Santa Barbara Classroom Discourse Group, a collection of teachers, researchers, and students affiliated with the University of California, Santa Barbara. The group is concerned with understanding how everyday life in elementary and secondary classrooms is constructed by teachers and students through their…

Offers guidelines for presenting inservice technology training sessions for teachers. Topics discussed include engaging group activity; proper approaches to the necessity for change; relating technology to activities outside the classroom; practical skills that can be easily learned; allowing adequate time; and offering options versus demanding…

This article argues that the debate over the public's right to know versus a public college or university's need to make some decisions in private often generates more heat than light, and that the most important interactions put at risk by open-meeting acts and sunshine laws involve board dynamics. Some suggestions are made for minimizing this…

Article distinguishes between two types of problems: those that necessitate either-or solutions, and those called polarities, which require both-and solutions. Suggests how inherently unsolvable polarities can be managed by integrating them into men's counseling groups. Suggestions include direct teaching, individual analysis and action planning,…

Describes a group program for at-risk students that resulted in students obtaining better grades and improved attitudes and self-concepts. Project was based on the assumption that poor self-concept is the central factor in students' lack of academic success. It was unknown whether gains would continue without the group. (RJM)

Presents a study that integrates a personalized teaching style with classroom opportunities for group interaction to encourage student participation. Compares a traditionally taught sociology class to one designed to enhance participants' views of themselves as students. Concludes from the research that students can be helped to redefine their…

Nine articles discuss research on cooperative learning with computers and how student interactions at the computer facilitate learning. Current research on cooperative learning methods and computer-assisted learning; and microcomputer-based group problem solving, social-cognitive behaviors, higher order thinking, interdependence, autonomy,…

Two groups of students with disabilities (n=14, ages 8-10) in self-contained classes participated in a teacher-directed peer confrontation system used in conjunction with a token economy system. Results showed that the system was effective in modifying inappropriate behavior and that students had positive reactions to the system. (Author/JDD)

Describes interactions among children in four preschool kindergarten art classes. Examines the nature of the talk surrounding children's mutual participation in voluntary art activities. Concludes that classroom social life demonstrated children's capacity to collaborate in meaningful ways and to benefit from the sharing of perspectives. (KM)

Second and third grade guests were observed while they tried to join peer hosts who were playing a game. Females guests were less obtrusive than male guests in their entries, and males guests were more assertive. Guests were less constrained when approaching same-sex than opposite-sex hosts. Female hosts were more attentive to guests than were…

Individualistic and competitive striving and group dynamics were compared for 42 fifth grade and 42 eighth grade Japanese boys in central Tokyo using a card-stacking procedure. Results are discussed in terms of social loafing versus social striving and behavior patterns of Japanese adults. (SLD)

The relative influence of best friends and social crowds of 324 older adolescents (eleventh graders) on cigarette smoking was examined to determine influences as a function of sex, conformity, and friendship mutuality. Best friends, rather than social crowd, appeared to be the major influence in this group. (SLD)

Leadership in the restructured school is provided by many individuals; teachers function as a community of scholars helping one another through discussions, coaching, and reflective activity. School leaders must acquire specific skills in certain areas, including vision setting, group process, conflict resolution, curriculum and instruction, and…

Four problem-based tutorial groups (n=23 students, n=4 faculty) in Harvard University Medical School's New Pathway track were studied to determine what interactions characterized student-directed discussion. It was found that students selected most topics discussed, that tutors questioned infrequently, provided limited information, and tolerated…

Outlines the educational philosophy of Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the experimental preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which focuses on providing a physical and social environment for learning through interactions among children, teachers, and parents. Discusses formation of communications networks and 12 principles for organizing small group…