Analysis of over 450 contributions to electronic discussions by 52 adult learners showed the learning processes used were engaging, developing conceptual relationships, drawing conclusions, and reflecting. Learning progressed to a high analytical level and was facilitated by group process development. Faculty supported discussion by synthesizing…

Studies the group decision-making process of the evaluation of preschool children with complex disabilities. Sequential application of processes was found to be influenced by the occurrence of a series of three cycles of decision making within each assessment and the decomposition of the assessment task into distinct subproblems. (Contains 67…

A study of 94 intact autonomous work groups performing multi-part tasks revealed that group creative performance increased exponentially with the number of highly creative group members composing the group. However, this occurred only when Team Creativity-Relevant Processes within the group were relatively high. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Explores antecedents and consequences of interdependence development when undergraduates (n=65) learning in groups were provided with little guidance on how to work together effectively. Finds previous class group work and out-of-class experiences contributed to development of goal, resource, and role interdependence among group members. Concludes…

Teachers' quests for more data-based planning, problem solving, and decision making often stumble against limited capacities for engaging in thoughtful interactions, with groups typically lacking process tools, collaborative communication skills, and reflective habits. This article presents a three-phase model for guiding data-driven dialogue in…

Examines the relationship of prevalence and frequency of binge drinking with alcohol-related problems, social contexts of drinking, and personality characteristics among 334 first-year students. Binge drinking rates among freshmen were higher than national averages and frequency of binge drinking was associated with more alcohol-related problems.…

Reflects on a meditation that is used with women's groups. Describes its purpose as helping women access their inner source of wisdom and knowledge about their bodies and their lives. The meditation is aimed at ridding women of the question, "What's wrong with me?" Describes participants' comments about their reactions and the benefits…

A study involving 159 undergraduates found that flow (a psychological state characterized by concentration, enjoyment, and intrinsic motivation) mediated effects of leadership style on creativity in a Group Decision Support System (GDSS) context, and that its role may be moderated by anonymity. Results also indicated that both flow and anonymity…

Business students (n=80) participated in a face-to-face, collaborative writing activity, then groups of 4 worked on activities using teleconferencing software. Students saw no differences between the two methods in socialization, brainstorming, conflict resolution, or quality of work. (SK)

Author recounts his career as a premier bibliographer of group work. He examines the development of his career and points out the importance of making the broad literature on group work easily accessible to practitioners. Stresses the active nature of group leadership and describes his leadership process. (Author/JDM)

Describes an online course in which graduate students collaboratively investigated and shared personal experiences with respect to adult development. Topics include naturalistic inquiry that was used to identify issues that characterized course dynamics; adult education; flexibility of course; co-construction of meaning; and the expression of…

Defensive routines and tolerance of skilled incompetence can harm student team performance. Strategies to overcome these problems include emphasizing the importance of process learning, teaching team development, providing practice in communication skills, coaching individual students, and providing graded feedback for process quality. (Contains…

Offers five recommendations for teachers or facilitators of team communication: (1) students should avoid groupthink; (2) offer students methods for reaching agreement in a timely manner; (3) vary subjects of group writing assignments; (4) encourage all students to be active participants; and (5) emphasize the importance of good writing skills to…

Explores the dynamic profile of a task as interpreted by a group of six prospective elementary teachers enrolled in a college biology course. Describes the shift from a planned task to a transitional task and finally an enacted task. (Author/MM)

This article examines some of the characteristics of a person who is morally well developed. Two of the commonly held theories of moral development are discussed, along with the possible moral problems of gifted adolescents. Finally, ways that educators can help gifted adolescents develop their full potential are provided. (Contains references.)…