Multiple family group therapy, which represents an interaction of the therapeutic effects of family and group interventions, is a promising systems approach that school psychologists may consider in their practice. Group composition, requisite skills and roles of group leaders, and specific techniques are discussed. (Author/LMO)

This commentary points out problems with the cultural difference and castelike theories of minority group school failure. It can be shown that both have some merit if studies are conducted of the reasons why children enjoy some classes which fit their peer group dynamics and reject those which do not. (VM)

Examines the dynamics involved when preschoolers aged five years attempt to build replicas of Lego models, either by working alone or with another. Results show that collaboration was more conducive to learning than was independent work and that children were able to generalize their skills. (Author/RWB)

Identifies various theories of individual and group influences on the performance control process. Both Japanese and American managers have a Rational Man theory of the individual. However, Americans see groups as helping to reduce the risk of poor performance, whereas Japanese see them as enhancing good performance. (Author/LHW)

Tested the hypothesis that hidden communication reflects basic assumptions, such as dependence on a leader or fight/flight movements within the group, by observng 10 informal teenage groups in the classroom. Found that the teenage leaders dominated both the physical and psychological space and that group movements changed continuously during the…

Discusses how David Booth's ability to elicit both commitment and authenticity in children's creation of improvised dramas distinguishes him as a teacher. Describes various phases and aspects of a drama lesson given to a group of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders that demonstrate his powerful teaching technique called "story-drama." (JD)

Discusses a case study of the interaction between the New Christian Right, or Moral Majority, and its humanist opponents. Concludes that because the groups argue from incompatible premises, they cannot share a common moral framework within which to agree. Labels the rhetoric of the two groups reciprocated diatribe. (SRT)

Describes an experimental study of gender segregation in 38 fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Students working in small, experimental, mixed-sex, instructional groups engaged in more cross-sex interactions than students in control groups. Boys in experimental classrooms showed greater preference for working in cross-sex groups. (SA)

This article briefly describes the Teacher Performance-Motivation Theory and its preservice and inservice implications. This model offers a tool for understanding classroom performance problems and suggests a range of approaches for supporting teacher effectiveness. (MT)

Describes a hands-on activity that explores how individuals learn, perceive, and make decisions about the environment. The activity allows participants to discover their teaching/learning styles, explore the design process as a decision-making tool, and experience the process of locating local resources for classroom use. (BC)

Notes that the success of a writing effort for technical writers sometimes depends on their ability to bring a group of people together, elicit cooperation and involvement, and put thoughts down on paper. Presents three techniques that may be used to deal effectively with group projects: the group calculator, the Japanese Ringi system, and the…

Following a brief presentation of Harold Lasswell's model of the social process, the authors discuss problems of policy formation and meaning determination, describe the "decision seminar" proposed by Lasswell as a technique for facilitating collective problem-solving, and provide illustrations of the seminar's successful application to…

Data from 12 rural community problem-solving groups working with extension agents were studied to explore the relationship between group and individual growth and (1) agent self-actualization and (2) certain group trait variables. Individual and group growth was found to be highly related to small group size, high ratings of problem importance,…

Seventeen five-member groups of secondary students were studied as they attempted to solve a science problem through group discussion. Results of the study show both advantages and disadvantages of this type of instruction. (MLH)

Introduces the concept of formal and informal groups in a variety of settings, including the classroom. Argues that informal group processes in the classroom do make a difference in the accomplishment of formal learning goals and provides suggestions for legitimizing communication about student feelings and for giving to students formal…