Offers advice and practical suggestions on how to facilitate challenge activities when working with diverse groups that include disabled persons. Lists tips concerning access and safety considerations, communication, group dynamics and teamwork, and modifications to specific activities. (SV)

Summarizes theories of group development encompassing the stages of orientation, conflict, integration, achievement, and breakup. Relates group development stages to leadership styles and the leader's relative concern for dimensions of task and relationship. Applies the five-stage model of group development to the progress of groups involved in…

Two collaborative inquiry groups share their processes and findings, such as coresearchers' lived experience is equal in importance to formally collected data; knowledge created in the group belongs to the group; and coresearchers must be equal in contribution and commitment. (SK)

Explores the literacy experiences of five diverse students (three of whom in previous years had received reading instruction in pull-out programs) participating in small-group literature discussions. Illustrates how diverse learners can successfully draw on their own backgrounds and experiences to create an environment for developing rich and…

A study of adult learners in a teacher-training internship program used concerns-based and critical reflection models to demonstrate that people become reflective when current actions become inappropriate, a supportive environment for acknowledging and addressing stress is created, and thinking is challenged. (SK)

Examines demographic networks of age and educational attainment for pairs of persons involved in close interpersonal relationships. Suggests that high network density in a social network can predict organizational niches--opportunities for organizational recruitment and resources for organizational survival. Contains 35 references. (SV)

A 10-step model of techniques for developing effective teams encompasses credibility, ventilation of issues, orientation, group process, group goals, facilitation, intragroup procedures, intergroup processes, different roles for trainers, and setting groups free to function on their own. (JOW)

Presents leadership models for outdoor education which emphasize flexibility and a balance between achieving the task and exercising affective skills. Leadership styles run on a continuum from high leader control to high group control. Stresses safe practice in outdoor activities. Offers recommendations to improve outdoor leadership. (KS)

Describes a business communication assignment in which students participate in a formal meeting (on coursework and evaluation) and later analyze the group processes. Notes that written activities from each student include preliminary memos, minutes of the meeting, and comments on group processes. (SR)

Used correctly, teams can increase productivity, raise morale, and spur innovation. Tips for effective teams include using the right team to do the right job, creating a hierarchy of teams, building an atmosphere of trust, and addressing interpersonal issues. (SK)

A model of diversity in nonprofit boards has these elements: use of language to further interests, levels of civic participation, social exchanges and incentives, socialization and acculturation of board members, and board composition and representation. Attention to these elements can foster inclusive, functionally diverse boards. (SK)

Four conclusions were reached through case studies of four production improvement teams: (1) collective production of new knowledge requires active and reflective work; (2) members with insufficient formal power have difficulties with such work; (3) technical knowledge production occurs only when power differences are controlled; and (4) social…

Adopts symbolic convergence theory to analyze the stories and rituals that form the shared consciousness of bargaining teams and of labor-management relationships. Uses a case comparison approach to highlight similarities and differences in the fantasy themes and bargaining rights of two teachers' negotiation units in two school districts. (KEH)

A study of the effects of team roles on the success of teams in business simulations found, contrary to expectation, that teams analyzing data on the basis of beliefs and values rather than logic were more successful. Implications for use of simulation in management education are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on interdependence, accountability, group processing, and social skills. In continuing education, cooperative learning can positively affect achievement, multiethnic relationships, self-esteem, retention, and attitudes. (SK)