The Inquiry, a group of U.S. adult educators and social scientists in the 1920s-1930s, applied Dewey's thinking to adult education in groups and espoused the link between individual and social development. Many of its concerns remain relevant today, and they provide an example for adult educators dealing with another era of rapid social change.…

Describes a laboratory study that examined the extent to which group gender composition affected group brainstorming performance in a computerized group support system (GSS) environment. Theory and research related to group gender composition and GSS is reviewed, and results indicate that gender composition did not affect group brainstorming…

Formulates the idea of the "interpretive zone" as a way to describe the space in which collaborative interpretation of research unfolds. Because of the importance of teamwork to qualitative research, the interpretive zone becomes a critical location for future methodological inquiry and examination of the dynamics of group research. (SLD)

Discusses selection and planning of group activities based on stages of group development. Describes typical group processes and behaviors encountered at the beginning, middle, and end of an extended group experience. Outlines two beginning, two middle, and one ending activity, including basic parameters and brief instructions. (SV)

Identifies patterns of argument that characterize majority and minority communication in 34 discussions among small groups of students in decision-making situations. Finds that winning and losing subgroups argue differently (as do minority and majority subgroups overall) and that consistency in argument is a strong predictor of subgroup success.…

There is a rich theoretical base for cooperative learning. Three interrelated types have been developed (formal, informal, cooperative base groups) that provide a framework for effective college teaching. However, too much emphasis is placed on developing the skills of individuals and too little on creating learning communities within which…

Discusses how to encourage students to participate effectively in groups, both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities, and relates it to information literacy. Topics include learning communities; collaborative learning; task-oriented versus process-oriented support; and running effective meetings. (LRW)

Training of geriatrics clinicians in interdisciplinary teamwork included group dynamics, conflict management, leadership, and team building. Pre/posttest data from eight teams identified challenges in defining teams, stabilizing membership, dealing with health care changes, and coping with stress. Training objectives were revised to include…

Former elementary principal suggests ways to improve student learning by increasing information sharing among faculty, including the restructuring of faculty meetings, adopting an inclusive planning process, and creating study groups. (PKP)

Describes one principal's experience working with teachers to overcome their reluctance to collaborate in the decision-making process. Includes guidelines for effective group participation. (PKP)

Questionnaires (n=127) and focus group discussions with students in Britain's Higher National Diploma program elicited different reactions to group work and group assessment. Diverse groups performed more consistently. Some group members resented others who "freeloaded"; group cohesiveness contributed to greater success. (SK)

Two faculty from different institutions co-initiated and co-facilitated an interdisciplinary faculty group to mentor members in experiential teaching approaches. Members shared their experiences with experiential strategies, as well as advice, resources, and professional support. Recommendations cover formation of such groups, group processes and…

Autobiographical writing groups in senior centers have become popular in senior centers. In addition to increasing self-esteem, recognizing past solutions as they relate to current problems, and helping to develop new relationships, writing groups also provide a social dimension. (JOW)

Presents two episodes from the reading experience of children in a Year 3 classroom: (1) a guided reading lesson conducted by the teacher; and (2) a group of reading sessions conducted by the researcher. Suggests that where children are given the power to make meaning for themselves, they are more likely to learn to read critically than those who…

Explains that the goal of the journal is to help group workers understand what makes an effective group leader. Recommends that examination and processing of experiences with different groups is essential to the ongoing development of leadership skills. Details several changes made in the journal that provide different kinds of information to…