Subjects (N=240) participated in brief encounter group experiences that varied the amount of physical contact in the structured exercises. These included no-touch, moderate-touch, and high-touch conditions. Results on the scales were consistent with behavioral data in showing the positive effects of increased physical contact. (Author)

Suggests that the small discussion group technique is a research method that journalism departments could use to a greater advantage and details the results of one such study, performed at the University of Texas at Austin Center for Communication Research. (KS)

Article defines four basic concepts of psychosocial development as stages of development, developmental tasks, psychosocial crisis and coping processes. Adolescence is treated as two distinct periods of development, and the main conflict of early adolescence is discussed. (RW)

Assesses both individual-to-group and group-to-individual transfer on a concept-attainment task in a between-subjects design with both of the appropriate individual-to-individual and group-to-group controls. (Author/RK)

Highlights what the literature says about conflict and its resolution. (IRT)

Reviews basic sociometric tools and their analysis, provides information on computer programs to analyze sociometric data, and briefly examines considerations in conducting sociometric investigations. Looks at the social atom (significant others), constructing sociometry questions, and offers an analysis of individual status and interactional…

A study examined the ability of six children (ages 8-12) with specific language impairment to participate in a group negotiation task. Each child interacted with two peers to select toys that children their age would enjoy. Subjects produced significantly fewer utterances than peers chronologically similar in age and language ability. (Author/CR)

Organized beginning and ending activities help campers articulate their experiences and feelings. Gives examples of playful beginning activities that help campers meet each other and support and celebrate the camp's vision for them. Presents ending experiences that bring closure to, and reinforce the positive aspects of, the experience, whether it…

The power of music to create a coherent group is amazing. Music can be used to help focus attention, encourage group unity, involve everyone, and allow creative self-expression. Discusses different song styles, simple rhythm instruments, and song writing. Song-leading tips include song choice, teaching techniques, motions, song sheets, and three…

Investigates how computers and modeling software contributed to students' interactions and learning in a physics course. Results indicate that while computer environments have some potential as learning tools, they also limit interactions in significant ways, rendering them less than ideal for everyday classroom use. Contains 60 references.…

Findings from three studies show that effective leaders have greater behavioral complexity and fill multiple roles better than ineffective leaders; listening skills are key to effective leadership; there are no gender differences in emerged leadership; and although task-relevant communication is important to leadership, other research indicates…

Investigates how Greek secondary school students interacted in pairs and fours while discussing and attempting to explain physical phenomena. Results indicate that students progressed significantly more in their physics reasoning after participation in fours than in pairs. Discourse analysis in different groupings suggests that differences were…

Examines the transition from a single conversation to two conversations in a group larger than three by focusing on three distinctive properties of the schisming-inducing turn (SIT): (1) the changes in recipiency structure; (2) the sequence-structural properties of the SIT and its uptake; and (3) the topical properties of the SIT. (61 references)…

A brainstorming variation used with discussion sections of a large class has students write ideas on Post-It notes, which can then be prioritized, categorized, sequenced, and grouped as needed, easily and quickly. The technique is useful for building thesis-writing skills, stimulating creation of a visual body of evidence, and encouraging…

"Crucial conversations" are about issues such as poor performance. How a camp director handles them can have a profound influence on a camp. Tips for succeeding at crucial conversations include; recognizing when you're having a crucial conversation; holding the right conversation; starting with your intent, not your content; starting with facts,…