Manipulated external status of a target by presenting person as ethnic majority female, ethnic minority male, or ethnic majority male discussing issue with four ethnic majority males. Subjects were college students (N=219). Results were consistent with previous research showing odd person in a group is more salient than other group members. (ABL)

Suggests that crisis communication should be a part of the larger issues of communication policy and strategy. Builds a case for the need to consider crisis communication in a larger context. Proposes a model of crisis communication content that may serve as a framework for research into the efficacy of communication during crisis episodes. (RS)

Examines key "chaos" elements--operation of systems far from equilibrium, nonlinear causation and discontinuous change, patterns in apparent chaos, and self-organization--in relation to family systems theory. Although there are several parallels, chaos theory is better able to address change, inequity, and the occurrence of order and…

Observation of eight book groups and participation in one group for six years uncovered four key factors: diverse membership, variety of readings, semiformal ground rules, and informal context. Support for book groups as a way of expanding learning networks in adult education was recommended. (SK)

Discussion of managing instructional development projects focuses on organization--the step between planning and implementation. Results of poor organization are discussed, and three major tasks of the manager are explained: establishing work groups; assigning responsibilities and authority; and delineating relationships between groups. (Contains…

Focuses on group dynamics of multiethnic peoples interacting with installation sculpture by Jean Dubuffet. Identifies those dynamics that become activated when responding to an aesthetic stimulus. Considers resulting behaviors within ethological/phenomenological framework and applied to practice of art therapy. (NB)

Members of 24 work groups (n=186) were randomly assigned to facilitated team building with computers; facilitated team building without computers; or meetings without facilitators or computers. Both facilitated groups rated group process higher, but the positive effects did not last over time. (SK)

Family skills training for disadvantaged families in Adelaide, Australia, includes awareness of cultural diversity, group process, and family weekend camps. The program is expanding to help parents deal with adolescent problems such as running away and alcohol/drug abuse. (SK)

Adult students attended classes in one of four formats: noncohort nonintensive, noncohort intensive, cohort nonintensive, and cohort intensive. Responses from 174 showed that more group interaction and cohesiveness occurred in the 2 cohort groups. Intensity of scheduling did not have a clear relationship with interaction or cohesiveness. (SK)

Describes a new technology called Group Decision Support Systems, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of meetings in a variety of organizational contexts. (SR)

Describes how the film "The Dream Team" can be used in a small group communication course as a visual case study, presenting clearly and in detail many of the most central group development processes, including cohesiveness, norms, roles, leadership, and group development. (SR)

Discusses alternatives to brainstorming such as the Trigger Method, the SIL (Successive Integration of Problem Elements) Method, the Wildest Idea, Brainwriting Pool, Method 6-3-5, Pin Cards, the Gallery Method, the Crawford Slip Method, and Nominal Group Technique. (JOW)

From its beginnings as a bush camp for hard-core juvenile delinquents, Project DARE has expanded to provide programs to a variety of troubled youth in Ontario, Canada. Programs include residential schools, remote wilderness adventure programs, and community-based experiential learning and recreational opportunities. (SV)

A matrix is presented for evaluating outdoor development programs. The four quadrants (narrow skills, broad skills, fun/enjoyment, self/other awareness) are ranged along two dimensions: tight to loose task approach and low to high intensity process. (SK)

A purposeful and positive approach to discipline benefits all members of the camp community. Staff should take a proactive approach to discipline by considering the basic needs of campers and keeping campers appropriately busy. Inappropriate behavior should be handled by discussing the behavior privately with the camper. (KS)