Proposes a model for conceptualizing changes in novelty experienced by students in informal settings. Presents a case study and discusses patterns of verbal and non-verbal student behavior with reference to the level of novelty experienced. Reports that student behavior was found to vary with changes in the level of novelty experienced. Contains…

Presents a scenario that illustrates some negative side effects of independent and interdependent group-oriented contingencies. Makes recommendations for altering group- oriented contingencies to reduce these negative side effects and to increase the probability that teachers will use these contingencies to increase students' academic performance…

Reviews the literature on groupware (a type of software that supports people working together by facilitating group processes) illustrating the strengths of the software for group learning. Describes a case study where groupware was used in a macroeconomics course during an economic impact project. (CMK)

The novelty and challenge of the wilderness, often cited as the basis for growth, can also precipitate emotional crises. Leaders should help the participant restore equilibrium through empathic listening and emotional support. If that fails, a model is presented for inhibiting the escalation of aggression or violence. Defusing and debriefing after…

Focuses on the use of cooperative learning in the music classroom to teach the National Standards for Music Education. Discusses how to create groups and other practical matters of cooperative learning that need to be addressed by teachers. Includes a bibliography of resources to assist teachers using cooperative learning. (CMK)

Describes a one-week course that focused on connections between global processes and local communities using an action-learning model. Discusses the action learning model, the content of the course, how student learning was evaluated, and what the teachers learned throughout the course. Addresses other uses of the model. (CMK)

Presents a study that investigated whether the presence of a group goal would reduce social matching. Reports that when there was no specific goal, the participants matched their own performance to the performance that was expected of other group members. Include references. (CMK)

Case study groups (n=106) were randomly assigned to face-to-face, chat, or group support systems conditions; half of each group received structural primers. Ditransitive structural frequency counts indicated that the primer significantly shifted learning style. Complexity was significantly greater in the group support system treatment. (14…

In Reggio Emilia classrooms, working in small groups and documenting the learning process brings to light new understandings of teaching and learning for both children and adults. The classroom example is part of the Making Learning Visible Project, between Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Municipal Infant-Toddler…

Discusses assessment and evaluation instruments associated with the observation and analysis of communication within groups involved in simulations, games, and role play workshops. Interpersonal communication is described from three perspectives: (1) observer-based, (2) self-assessment, and (3) a combination of self- and colearner assessment. (21…

Discusses ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) designs with nested factors as an option for addressing unit of analysis issues when conducting group research. These principles can be extended to more complex designs involving multiple treatment factors where groups are either nested or crossed with these factors. (Author/TE)

Attempts to integrate Perry's (1970) scheme of the cognitive development of college students with a model of group development adapted by Waldo (1985) based on Tuckman's (1965) formulation of developmental group stages. (Author)

Four nationally recognized experts in group counseling research, practice, and training--Robert K. Conyne, Riley L. Harvill, Rosemarie S. Morganett, and D. Keith Morran--present their views of effective group leadership. A major theme emerging from these presentations is the complexity inherent in effective group leadership, and that more…

Cooperative lesson plans are presented for the following: current events for middle and high school; lessons on group process for elementary school; cooperative collage making to summarize a unit; group thank-you letters after an excursion; a team-building/language development lesson; and a values lesson on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (JD)

Praises "The Counseling Psychologist" focus issue (1990) for its excellent review of group psychotherapy literature and reacts to individual articles. Describes a conceptual model that encompasses key therapeutic factors and elements central to design and leadership of thematic groups. Compares three major forms of group…