Research supported by the National Science Foundation (GS-562).

Argues that a modification of the heuristics of classical rhetoric will facilitate an understanding of the dynamics of group decision making and provide a systematic process for attaining consensus. (Author)

Suggests that drama, as well as training or therapy, may be employed as a useful research and practice paradigm in working with small groups. The implications of this view for group development as a whole, and for member and leader participation, are explored. (JAC)

It was found that those ranking high on the dogmatism scale were concerned to a greater degree about the physical setting, the organization and structure of the group, the topics, the goals of the group, evaluation, and level of satisfaction with the group than were those scoring low on the scale. (Author)

Using a ring-tossing exercise the authors show how data can be gathered to show how group pressures alter behavior, how to go about setting realistic goals, and what factors go into goal setting; or to demonstrate the role of worker participation in goal setting. (NL)

A secondary teacher uses examples from his own experience to illustrate how instructors can help students improve learning by following advice about group dynamics given in Richard and Patricia Schmuck's book "Group Processes in the Classroom." (RM)

Contends that inability of groups to address conflict, encourage dissenting views, and face their negative characteristics can result in destructive behavior toward others that remains largely outside awareness of individual members. Examines regressive group characteristics; behavior of United States during Persian Gulf War is used to highlight…

We argue in this article that group work is a distinct methodology that rests upon a unique conceptual base. We suggest that an ecological perspective fits group work especially well, since it encompasses a comprehensive, interdependent, and contextual orientation. Teaching strategies addressing Best Practices in Group Work (ASGW, 1998) are…

How should groups make decisions? The authors provide an original evaluation of 9 group decision rules based on their adaptive success in a simulated test bed environment. When the adaptive success standard is applied, the majority and plurality rules fare quite well, performing at levels comparable to much more resource-demanding rules such as an…

This article discusses some strategies and principles of intervention that will lead to a more effective group behavior and enable the group to be proactive about improving its work. The author also discusses some of the common challenges and reliable interventions faced by a facilitator: (1) Redirect conversational altitudes; (2) Correct problems…

This qualitative within-case study explored how planned educational change in universities can be facilitated through academic professional development strategies. Thus this study attempted to shed some light on the dynamics of educational planned change in universities and their implications for academic professional development of faculty. The…

Introduction: Most approaches to reducing the socially inappropriate behavior of adolescents target the individual rather than a group. Evidence suggests greater efficiency and longlasting effects may be achieved when groups of peers work together to make meaningful contributions to their communities through service learning projects. In the…

Collaborative learning assumes that knowledge is constructed through negotiation and discussion. This exploratory study focuses on 2 groups of 3 pre-service primary teachers solving 2 mathematical tasks in a text-based and asynchronous WorkMates learning environment. This case study describes the group processes, and the different patterns of…

In this article, the authors offer the University of Brighton's Community-University Partnership Programme (CUPP) Helpdesk as a model of an "enabling platform" for university-community engagement. Despite the growth of practical and scholarly activity in this area, there is a relative lack of research focused on the processes by which…

Universities are increasingly using group based assessment tasks; however, as with work-place teams, such tasks often elicit mixed feelings from participants. This study investigated factors that may predict student satisfaction with group work at university. Final-year business students completed a questionnaire addressing experiences of group…