The focus groups technique is described, giving details about the methodology. As a practical application, a study of teacher perspectives toward reform in the Spanish educational system is presented. Issues of group size, the moderator's role, and drawing conclusions from group responses are discussed. (SLD)

Used multiple-choice instruments and classroom observations of elementary education majors (n=116) to examine the importance of cooperative incentives and heterogeneous grouping in cooperative learning. Results indicate no differences in the achievement of students in the group accountability and individual accountability conditions and do not…

This paper first reviews the theory of group creativity and then examines characteristics of electronic brainstorming that make it more effective than verbal brainstorming. The success of electronic brainstorming suggests it might be the key to overcoming the space and time constraints commonly faced by a creativity group. (Author/DB)

Problem solving in adventure programs contains physical, social, philosophical, and transcendent (insightful) elements. Through transcendent experiences students reach a high level of performance, tolerance, and understanding. Instructors often attempt to facilitate transcendent experiences through such activities as the Native American…

Discusses the use of feature films for courses on popular culture and the sociology of popular music. Suggests that films can illustrate topics such as culture, social groups, deviant behavior, racism, and sexism. Lists a selection of Hollywood feature films with accompanying readings and students' evaluations. (DK)

Investigates the instructional benefits of using a Group Decision Support System (GDSS), i.e., a computer-based system implemented on a local area network for assisting a group with communication, decision making, and negotiating. An experiment using a GDSS in a graduate seminar class at the University of Mississippi is described. (31 references)…

This essay describes the use of I Ching hexagrams as a focus to improve the ability of college student groups to evolve creative solutions and improve decision-making skills. The philosophy of I Ching is briefly explained, and examples are given of hexagram interpretations which are applicable to group discussion and problem solving. (DB)

Examines the potentials of technology to help the cooperative learning process. The need for interaction between cooperative learning practitioners and technology users is discussed; and research on the integration of technology into cooperative learning is reviewed, including group dynamics, making each student accountable, and attributional…

Investigates supervisory-subordinate group decision making of eight groups under three conditions: supervisor physically present; present via audio teleconferencing; present via audio/graphics teleconferencing. Finds no significant differences in decision quality, communication style, and participant satisfaction. (SR)

A discussion of successful leadership in meetings looks at differing philosophies about the role of the group leader, the different roles assumed by group members, minimal responsibilities that the leader must fulfill, and specific suggestions for maintaining the group's interest during the meeting. (MSE)

Suggests that desegregation should be seen as an ongoing process rather than a specific event. More attention should be given to shaping students' experiences in desegregated schools to foster positive intergroup relations. School staff must work to avoid resegregation and create a cooperative environment in which minority and majority members…

Managed group formation uses student personal value data and sociometric nomination to optimize the influence of work group formation on student learning. Resulting work group formations are used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional course content and to increase students' sensitization to important group process issues in business policy.…

The approach used by the University of Texas at Houston to fill a key administrative position is described. The method used a team of 13 members representing each school involved and other key constituents. Factors affecting the team's cohesiveness, procedures, and follow-up activities are explained. (MSE)

Two classroom studies assessed the introduction of innovative instructional techniques, based on adult learning principles, in optometric education. The first involved group projects and related student presentations, and the second introduced active learning methods in place of lectures. (Author/MSE)

Compares the Group Valence Model (GVM) to several derived versions of the Valence Distribution Model (VDM), as they relate to the group problem-solving process. Suggests that, not withstanding predictive accuracy, the VDM seems generally inferior to the GVM, which consistently accounts for more of the decision-making phenomenon. Discusses…