Investigates the relative and interactive effects of rater-, and ratee-, relationship-, situational-, and group-level contingencies on peer assessments of open communication. Results suggest that, given certain procedural conditions, peer assessments are highly reliable and valid. Rater bias accounted for a relatively small amount of rating…

Addresses the issue of the sensitivity of communicative variables for predicting leadership emergence in long-term, nonlaboratory groups. Findings suggest that communicative functions allow for the selection of potential group leaders. Additionally, leaders are chosen for their positive qualities but appear to embody negative values as well.…

Presents two studies of the influence of group size, prior acquaintance, and gender composition on talking and silence in decision making groups (N=157). Results suggested that friends talked more than strangers, and leaders talked more than nonleaders. Group differences were reflected more dramatically in patterns of silence. (JAC)

Climbers' perceptions of risk are influenced by psychological and sociological phenomena that cause them to accept higher levels of real risk without awareness that risks have increased. Groups, for example, make riskier decisions than members would recommend individually. By recognizing risk affecting phenomena, climbers can avoid many…

When the parents of school age children have significant relationships with their children's schoolmates, a particularly strong school-community relationship forms. Public schools in the United States are best organized to serve such functional, neighborhood communities, which are rapidly disappearing. School reorganization might renew community…

Examines classroom language learning from the perspective of research and teaching. Looks at the classroom as a special social situation; identifies eight features of the classroom as culture and applies them to the language class. Argues that the classroom has its own communicative potential for language learning. (SED)

Examines the interaction of teachers and learners in their various activities along a continuum that extends from instructional to natural discourses and is determined by the way participants present themselves to one another and negotiate turns-at-talk, topics, and repairs. Suggests ways to broaden and diversify discourse options in the…

A person-centered approach to intergroup hostility is an alternative approach to dealing with social tension and conflict situations. The Camp David talks on Middle East peace exemplifies such an approach. (DF)

Examined the effects of personal warmth and success modeling on behavior change among females experiencing assertion deficits. Results indicated both confederate warmth and success modeling influenced the level of assertion change behavior reported by group members. Attributions for influence to effect change and change performance are discussed.…

This article: (1) outlines advantages of having more than two students work together at the computer keyboard; (2) discusses several new issues teachers must consider; and (3) describes specific examples of applications designed to promote cognitive and social outcomes. (JMK)

Provides a worksheet and summary sheet for use in facilitating the sharing of experiences, expertise, techniques, and skills among a group of approximately 15 people interested in environmental activism. Describes how to organize the group and what procedures to use to achieve recommended goals. (BC)

Examines one type of literacy event in a second-grade classroom--free writing--and, especially, its sharing time phase. (FL)

Tested the effectiveness of interactive cable television in disseminating new teaching ideas among elementary school teachers. Found an increase in the diversity of new ideas within word groups, but the increase was regulated by the group's interpersonal communication or "intermediation." Discusses conditions under which communication…

Experimentally varied conditions relating to the people with whom participants (N=45) interacted prior to beginning a small learning group experience. Results showed that rates of attending and remaining varied according to with whom participants interacted prior to the onset of the group. (LLL)

Developed three measures of clinical group benefits and presented empirical evidence (N=27) explicating the logic of the Interpersonal Relations Scale as an assessment device. Conceptualized the benefits of clinical groups as the fostering of intimacy skills by which group members learn about themselves, others, and their interpersonal…