Two studies of the Self-Directive Dramatization Project are reported. In the first the relationship of dramatization, self-concept, and reading achievement in middle class children in grades 2 through 7 was examined, and in the second mostly black disadvantaged children in grades 1 through 4 were studies. Both groups of children dramatized stories…

A n experiment explored possible personality differences between sociometric techniques following small group discussions. Such differences could predict emergence of leadership behavior in initially leaderless discussion groups. Participating in assigned groups of four or five were 269 Master of Business Administration students and 65 business…

Efforts to individualize the secondary school English curriculum (Poway High School, California) have led to the development of a program of approximately 20 non-graded courses in literature, language, and composition which allows students to choose their own courses and to make decisions about content, structure, and methods of evaluation in a…

This book offers a perspective on creative drama, an art form akin to the spontaneous, imaginative painting produced by children, which frees the soul of the child to act naturally, give out unabashedly, and develop through such acting the realization of his own deep emotions. Critical of formal drama which can inhibit and deaden the free…

The first year of a new program, in which students were expected to take responsibility for their own education, is evaluated in this report. Study was almost entirely independent; students usually worked at their own rate and used the teacher as a resource person. Parental and community involvement was emphasized. Volunteers worked at the school,…

This study examined the effectiveness of elements by the thematic-fantasy play training paradigm in facilitating story recall of 192 disadvantaged kindergartners and first graders. Results include: adult tuition did not facilitate story recall; and fantasy enactment affected immediate but not maintained story recall. (BS)

A small center stressing voluntary participation makes information available to teachers for improving sources and ideas for creation of their own curriculum materials, while programmed workshops supplement the work of the center by exploring single topics in depth. (JD)

A small, private, residential school provides adolescents with academic education and the learning experience gained from living and working in a cooperative environment. (JD)

Describes an approach to consultation with core city elementary schools that utilizes the concept of encouraging children to be helpful to each other--which necessitates a lateral rather than a vertical classroom structure, with decision making and problem solving shared by the children. (RJ)

Members of two types of self-help groups assessed the occurence of various helping processes in their groups. Found self-help groups emphasized supportive and expressive processes while avoiding confrontive processes; and behavioral techniques were used more frequently by behavioral control groups than by stress coping groups. (RC)

To study the effects of structured cooperative learning environments on helping interactions and behaviors in the early, middle, and later primary school years, a study was conducted in 11 classrooms across 4 schools in suburban Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Subjects were 172 children (56 in year 2, 68 in year 4, and 52 in year 6). Through…

Despite demands for innovative classroom techniques, many educational-administration professors continue to use the lecture paradigm in their courses. This paper argues for a "virtually real" classroom, which demonstrates to students the reformed school that they will facilitate as future administrators. It also discusses the need for professors…

Conditions under which the use of small groups in classrooms can be productive are suggested in this paper, which moves beyond the general question of small-group learning effectiveness. Part 1 offers a review of recent studies of interaction in cooperative groups, focusing on the following themes: interaction and achievement; task and…

In searching for avenues to create a collaborative school environment in which autonomous teachers impact the outcomes of schooling and students become independent learners, there is increasing interest in "self-managing work groups." This paper presents findings of a study that examined the role of the principal in the development of…