A study investigated the effectiveness of using a small-group discussion as the main vehicle for the construction of an initial representation of a problem that activates previously acquired knowledge. College students (N=39) were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition or a control condition and asked to brainstorm about a presented…

Communication scholars have addressed a number of theoretical issues concerning the basis of knowledge and reality. They have not, however, accompanied their theories with parallel empirical studies. Given the important implications such work might have for the interpretation and generalizability of observer accounts, two studies were conducted…

Retreats, which have been used by churches and corporations for some time, are currently being looked into by college presidents and boards of trustees as a means of training and problem solving. While many types of retreats may not be appropriate for boards, a well-planned working retreat can be an effective way for trustees to: (1) really get to…

In this study comparing peer group conversation with conversation in other settings, five college freshmen were observed and taped in the 12th week of the semester during a group discussion about their own writing. Four types of conversational moves were tallied: structural comments, solicitations, responses, and reactions. Comparison of these…

In the first section of this monograph, the reasons why the personal nature of teaching makes it relatively impervious to outside influences are explored. It is suggested that change in education occurs only when the individual teacher changes. Educational innovation is viewed as a matter of facilitating and sustaining modification in the…

Reports an investigation designed to determine if using programmed textbook units in rather typical courses improved student test performance and enriched student interaction in class discussion. (PEB)

A theory of interpersonal communication called "the coordinated management of meaning" (CMM) involves three propositions. (1) The fundamental unit of communication is the "speech act," something that the speaker does to the listener by making that particular message at that time. (2) The structure of communication is episodic, consisting of a…

English teachers should prepare students for the act of writing, through prewriting experiences that provide for motivation, collection of data, and ordering of data. Group brainstorming relating to a given topic is helpful in generating ideas for writing; individual brainstorming may be used by students in recalling and listing images. Class and…

Research supported by Grant No. HD-01762-01 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Guidelines teachers have found useful for initiating and maintaining formal and informal communication with parents are provided in this discussion for child caregivers. Topics briefly discussed include the mechanics of initiating a conference, working with parents during a conference, arranging meetings for parent groups, and techniques for…

While elementary school teachers are concerned for and involved in the affective world of children, some elementary educators fear or distrust group affective approaches. It may be the case that they lack understanding and skills in the use of affective curricula. William Glasser's guides for classroom meetings, designed to increase and promote…

Research on the use of discussion in adult education has been largely concerned with comparing it with the use of other instructional techniques and with measuring opinion change. Many studies, such as Kurt Lewin's study of food habits, have compared the effectiveness of group discussion as contrasted with lecture in changing opinions and…

Approaches to organizational change are examined, and the means for overcoming resistance to change are suggested. Seven models of change commonly used are identified as: (1) decree; (2) replacement of personnel; (3) structural reorganization; (4) group agreement; (5) data discussion; (6) group problem solving; and (7) T group. The sixth change…

This booklet is one in a series designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by suggesting specific classroom activities based on current educational theory and research. Approximately half of the booklet is devoted to a review of current research and theory concerning small group discussion and interaction. The second half presents…