Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits and challenges of using a virtual learning community (VLC) as a vehicle for workforce development. This paper argues that VLCs provide a flexible vehicle for workforce development. However, workplace realities may lead to unexpected challenges for participants wanting exploit the…

For centuries traditional university education has primarily focused on building foundational skills in particular disciplines via the transfer of knowledge from instructor to student. Today however, simply being able to reproduce knowledge is no longer adequate; students must also be able to apply their knowledge to changing, real world contexts.…

This paper presents a review of recent research that examines the relative instructional utility of text-based synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC). As a mechanism for limiting the number of studies reviewed as well as controlling for emergent technologies, only research published since 2000 was reviewed. The goal was…

Simulating a confrontation at a convention or other meetings can prepare participants to be ready for the real thing, says this author. He raises pertinent questions to simulate thinking on this possibility. (Editor)

The paper discusses the use of regularly scheduled classroom group discussions in the treatment of emotionally disturbed (ED) children, to assist them in learning alternative ways of acting and interacting and to move them from feelings of discouragement and negativism to the point where they can effect change in themselves, feel confident in…

Although listening is a major activity in small group communication, it has received minimal attention. Examination of several books and journals reveals a very sparse treatment of the subject. More attention should be given to listening because it is a key factor in a democratic leadership style and requires different skills than does listening…

TWENTY-SIX GROUPS OF FIVE SUBJECTS EACH WERE STUDIED TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF FEEDBACK ON SUBSEQUENT GROUP BEHAVIOR. EACH GROUP WAS GIVEN TEN PROBLEMS, EACH TO BE SOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, BEFORE AND AFTER A DISCUSSION PERIOD. THE USE OF AN ANALOG COMPUTER PERMITTED THE EXPERIMENTER TO GIVE FEEDBACK ON THE FIRST SOLUTION BEFORE THE DISCUSSION BEGAN…

This discussion guide is part of a multi-media package of audiovisual and written materials designed to assist trainers of teams in a school setting, particularly for use with teams of teachers and auxiliaries (paraprofessionals). The purpose of the film clip series--to stimulate discussion that is geared to problem solving--is discussed, and the…

A report on the National Seminar of American Indian Women is presented. This meeting was planned to provide an opportunity for American Indian women to discuss the needs of Indian communities and expand their understanding of what constitutes an adequate community. The delegates were lay people selected from their home communities. Sixty-eight of…

Presents the results of a study which investigated the content quality of classroom discussions in three tenth-grade social studies classes categorized as cooperative, competitive, or neutral (control). Findings did not support previous research regarding the content of group discussions and their structure. (JDH)

Reviews the software package, "Interaction Analyses," which makes the observation of communication transactions--commonly described as PROANA5--possible with a microcomputer. (PD)

The author describes her experiences as facilitator of a support group for mainstreamed deaf adolescents. Covering such topics as difficulties communicating with family members and conflicts with hearing peers and teachers, the group featured role playing and discussion. (CL)

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has emerged as a powerful organization development philosophy that builds on past successes to impel positive change. AI is a highly participative, holistic approach to change that values the wisdom of members of the organization and amplifies positive forces. This session will introduce AI as a tool to enhance…

Student discussion-group leaders were assessed on indices of facilitative empathy, respect, and genuineness, and their behaviors were analysed by Flanders' interaction categories. None of the leaders reached minimally helpful levels of the facilitative conditions, and only two out of five could be categorized as "indirect" leaders. (Author/JA)