Examines health-oriented conversations in informal, interpersonal networks. Investigates the network structure, nature of relationships, contents of interactions, and impact of support manifested in a "stay-at-home" mothers' toddlers' play group. Identifies members' roles, and characteristics of opinion leaders, and includes anecdotal…

Examines current literature on the pedagogy of counseling. The authors offer a critique of current counselor education practices and suggest constructivist methods for educating reflective practitioners. (Author)

Transcripts from three problem-solving discussions involving eight or fewer social scientists were analyzed by nonlinear regression to determine whether the groups' productivity was chaotic over time. It was shown that the productivity was chaotic, correlated with the number of active discussion threads, and dependent on the discussion…

Argues that in order to increase student action against racism, antiracist educators should look to lessons from the Holocaust and adopt measures aimed specifically at preventing bystander behavior and conformity to group pressure. Discusses research related to both phenomena and identifies implications for moral education. (DSK)

Describes three games for all ages, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing where appropriate. The games demonstrate the tenets of adventure programming, involve group…

Presents research findings from a 1998 study on predictors of friendship quality and peer acceptance at summer camp. Discusses implications for two core areas of camp: staff training issues (management of group dynamics and providing social-skill-building opportunities for individual campers) and program philosophy as the backdrop for formation of…

Examines implementation of two problem-based learning seminars at a university administrative-credential program. Students worked in small groups to complete a program involving human-resources management and technology use. Students found content and process relevant to their administrative work, saw patterns in their own growth, and learned to…

A study investigated behaviors, interactions, and learning outcomes of 22 children with learning disabilities who participated in structured and unstructured group activities. Children in the structured groups were more involved in group activities, provided more directions and help to others, and obtained a significantly higher performance on a…

Business students (n=60) wrote statements about group behavior, practiced behaviors in groups, and rated each other's small group skills. No differences were found among students who considered themselves group leaders, cooperating members, or shy members. (SK)

Describes initial investigations into the problems encountered when college students undertake online group projects and introduces a method for designing intelligent software agents capable of recognizing and alleviating problems concerned with the maintenance roles of group project work. Discusses computer mediated communication and user…

Challenges posed by interactive distance education, especially when provided at job sites, include technological delivery constraints, the dynamics and politics of the site, and student-teacher relationships. Ways to overcome challenges include (1) managing the technology with preparation and feedback; (2) setting classroom norms; and (3) managing…

Describes the author's work using poetry therapy groups with chemically-dependant adults in a residential drug treatment unit and in an outpatient setting of a large drug rehabilitation program. Discusses each poetry therapy group and notes the stages of group work. (SR)

Examines the formation of group norms in computer-mediated communication (CMC) among students who used e-mail as part of a course. Shows that norms prescribing a particular use of technology are socially constructed over time at the level of locally defined groups, and also shows that the influence of these norms is limited to the boundaries of…

Cross-disciplinary teams formed by 29 engineering and 45 business/statistics/human ecology students conducted quality improvement projects. Different levels of commitment and interest were apparent; most had difficulty scheduling meetings with team members, clients, and instructors. Nearly all spoke highly of the learning experience. (SK)

Reports a study involving five groups of stake holders who used the two different electronic meeting techniques to discuss ways of improving a local private school. Finds that participants preferred electronic gallery writing over electronic poolwriting because of the former's ability to show users all of the groups' comments at the same time. (SR)