Something significant can be learned by "listening-in" on children's conversations. Research has shown individual differences among students that may affect children's achievement. Teachers need to "listen-in" on children's conversations and "listen-for" what children are saying about how well they understand directions and activities. (CB)

An example shows how a group of professionals and citizens can select a feasible site for a facility by rank ordering criteria of availability, population, accessibility, and cost. (MLF)

The use of nominal group technique in course evaluation has these advantages: it restricts the researcher's influence, encourages respondents to frame their own responses, sustains individual autonomy during group pressure, and provides respondents with knowledge of the full range of possible responses. However, it also underestimates group…

This paper suggests that highly competitive sport encourages strong identification of fans with teams. Theories of conflict, categorization, and social competition are used to discuss some determinants of identification with teams, and implications for physical education are drawn. (Author/MT)

A study of the effects of variation in student preparation and leadership (emergent vs. assigned) in discussion groups found that both factors influenced verbal inactivity. The leadership effects were explained in terms of interaction-expectation theory and behavior modelling. (MSE)

Examined the degree of differentiation between instrumental and expressive leadership roles in two natural groups (N=101). Results showed a relatively high degree of leadership role integration with several members of each group fulfilling both instrumental and expressive leadership roles. (LLL)

Examines procedural messages and group work habits of 20 three-person groups, 10 who preferred a tightly structured work cliamte and 10 who preferred a free-associative work routine. Results revealed that structured groups used abstract headings that organized group talk, while free-associative groups used specific details on a content-related…

The Personal Growth Encountertapes are a program of interpersonal exercises for groups of eight to 10 persons. Instructions are presented on a set of audio-tape recordings, one for each of the 10 sessions. (Author)

Although consultation models have expanded, research demonstrating the effectiveness of consultation has lagged behind, thus limiting the acceptance of consultation as a method of intervention in schools. This study presents a preventive consultation framework and demonstrates its effectiveness in working with school principals to change the…

This study tested the prediction of Fiedler's Contingency Theory of Leadership Effectiveness, namely, that a relationship-oriented leadership style would lead to task-group effectiveness in a moderately favorable situation, while a task-oriented leadership style would lead to effectiveness in an unfavorable situation. (Author/IRT)

This handbook presents a collection of over 35 experiential and adventure-based activities using only a single item of equipment--a 15-foot long section of 1-inch tubular climbing webbing, called a raccoon circle. Some of the activities are quiet, some are loud, and they range from low to high challenge levels. Different-sized groups can be…

Insights from quantum physics and chaos theory help create new metaphors about ethical frameworks and moral practices in outdoor education. The seemingly straightforward concept of values is analogous to the initial simple nonlinear equation of a fractal. The value claims of outdoor education--trust, cooperation, environmental awareness,…

This paper focuses on group dynamics and introduces the use of initiative activities as a means of facilitating a more cohesive group experience in outdoor programs. Specific topics addressed and defined include: (1) curative factors of groups (universality, didactic learning, altruism, socialization, peer learning, group cohesiveness); (2) stages…

A description of a group leadership course for nurses concentrating on the use, formation, and dynamics of groups within the context of clinical public health nursing in the community includes objectives and content areas (identifying needs, and considering self-concepts and interpersonal relationships). (AG)