Compares high and low consensus discussions, and identifies patterns of communication which differentiate the two levels of agreement. Describes several interactional differences, including the variety of integration methods employed, and the method and distribution of generating possible solutions to the problem. (MM)

Explores factors related to employees' willingness to join one type of participatory program, quality circles. Discovers that volunteers are less satisfied with key aspects of their jobs but are committed to the organization and join groups to improve their work life. (MS)

Third and fourth grade "sailors" from Bolina/Stimson School in northern California learned to pull together aboard a Thirties-style historical schooner, anchored in San Francisco Bay, that simulates a codfishing expedition to Alaska. Cooperation, successfully meeting team challenges, and coordination of effort resulted. (JMM)

Using planned, sequenced "group initiative tasks," effective cooperative skills can be taught and practiced in an atmosphere of fun and challenge. Such tasks are presented to a group for problem solving, using the physical and intellectual resources of the entire group. (JMM)

This article describes Project ORACLE which was research carried out at the University of Leicester begun in 1975 concerning (1) a longitudinal process-product study of teaching and learning in elementary schools; and (2) a study which concentrated on collaborative group work in the same classrooms. Results and implications are discussed.…

Provides seven guidelines that can help teachers clear the obstacles which often keep classroom reading incentive programs from helping those students who need them most--the poor readers. (ARH)

Focuses on the role of the computer system in group decision making. Two systems used in solving negotiating problems--NEGO and MEDIATOR--and three procedures that can be utilized to develop group decision support systems are analyzed, based on multicriteria decision analysis and mathematical programming models. (Author/LRW)

Describes factor analysis of preschool children's play behavior, as measured by the Smilansky-Parten play matrix. Varimax rotation solution suggests three factors: Dramatic-Constructive Play, Solitary Behavior, and Functional-Constructive Play. Study suggests that these factors represent constructs of preschoolers' play. (Author/RWB)

Presents one teacher's tongue-in-check suggestions for how to behave on an accrediting team. (JD)

Outlines a structured training program based on the social skills model that may be of use in working with juvenile delinquents. Called the Social Interactional Program (SIP), it has been developed at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education for use as a general purpose counselling strategy. (Author/ABB)

Eight "myths" about small group processes and outcomes are presented and matched against research and practice. Conclusions are drawn concerning benefits of group experience, group composition, leader impact, role of structural exercises, function of the "here-and-now," self-disclosure and feedback, understanding group processes, and the long-term…

Loosely coupled educational organizations exhibit structural similarities to preliterate societies in their lack of formal leadership and control. The identification of social outsiders as "witches" to explain disasters affecting preliterate societies may have its counterpart in educational organizations when nonconformists are…

An integration of the concepts of situational leadership with what is known about group development and functioning of work groups is discussed as a tool in helping managers, trainers, and group members understand group development and determine the appropriate leader behaviors to use in various situations to build unified, cohesive, and…

A factor analysis of Fiedler's Least Preferred Co-Worker (LPC) Scale and measure of situational control produced eight factors. Several factors failed to demonstrate internal consistency upon replication. Argues that the LPC and situational control measure are more complex than generally assumed. Suggests further attention to operational…

Deals with women working in the higher echelons of organizational hierarchies. Discusses why training programs aimed at women only are more beneficial to women than mixed participation. Examines women's minority position, effects of traditional stereotypes, group dynamics, problems women encounter in the workplace, and management education. (CT)