Discussion and research show that when members of a problem-solving group engage in discussion and reach a consensus, the resultant group decision is either riskier or more cautious than the average of the individual judgments prior to the discussion. The purpose of this paper is to summarize and evaluate various theories concerning this group…

This paper presents a rationale for combining public speaking with interpersonal communication and group discussion, in basic speech courses. A survey of textbook authors, administrators, teachers, and students reveals that most feel that the public-speaking approach, alone or in conjunction with other approaches, continues to be the most valid…

A program geared toward high school students is described. It is independent of the curriculum, and goes beyond discussions of alcohol use to tackle the larger issues of life, death, and well-being. (Author/KC)

Examines brainstorming as an aid to creative group problem solving. Presents a history of its practice, a survey of empirical studies, and theoretical explanations for the superiority of individual over group brainstorming. (PD)

Staff and student opinion were surveyed at the Law Faculty of the University of New South Wales to determine the advantages and disadvantages of assessing class participation. Results from 12 staff and 390 students showed that although a majority favored this method of assessment, many difficulties were experienced in putting it into practice.…

Recommends a classroom exercise to demonstrate intergroup relations. Possible learning outcomes include conflict resolution, decision-making, trust, and increased understanding of differences between competitive and collaborative behavior. (Author/DB)

Demonstrates how small group discussion can be used as a teaching strategy across secondary school subject areas. (MH)

Looks at ways to improve students' writing through use of classroom writing programs that emphasize revisions or rewriting. Identifies types of revisions to be made and suggests ways to help students focus on their purpose, including self-selection of topics, publishing and conferencing. (PCB)

Provides step-by-step description of a group intermix strategy ("tearing up the book") intended to ensure that a group of learners shares a body of knowledge prior to discussion. Offers suggestions for using strategy in rural classrooms. Includes 19-item annotated bibliography of appropriate grade 5-12 books for using this technique.

A sequel to an article appearing in the previous issue of this journal, this article continues to report on a meeting in which journalism advisers discussed problems they had in common. (DF)

Reports on a meeting in which journalism advisers discussed problems they had in common. (DF)

Describes a hands-on activity that explores how individuals learn, perceive, and make decisions about the environment. The activity allows participants to discover their teaching/learning styles, explore the design process as a decision-making tool, and experience the process of locating local resources for classroom use. (BC)

Outlines aims of professional conferences and discusses conferences as learning experiences and change agents. Discussion of conference focuses on ways to improve conferencing activities, participant preparation, and conference planning and organization. Appendices contain outlines of objectives of a conference on teaching and learning and a…

Seventeen five-member groups of secondary students were studied as they attempted to solve a science problem through group discussion. Results of the study show both advantages and disadvantages of this type of instruction. (MLH)

This collection of papers delves into reflection as a concept and provides specific, replicable tools for professional practice. Each chapter draws on a particular school situation, demonstrating the value of teacher reflection and describing the nuts and bolts of the process, offering protocols for handling many different circumstances. After…