Observations of interactions of mixed-ability groups revealed three persistent challenges (inclusiveness, enacting the ideal, and monitoring growth) in which gifted students can develop and exercise leadership skills. Specific student strategies are proposed for each challenge. The role of teachers in developing leadership skills of gifted…

Attempted to identify behavioral precursors of conflict outcomes and to isolate unique characteristics of important conflicts. Results suggest that conflict components were interrelated. Resolutions were associated with outcomes and affective intensity, and affective intensity was linked to lessons learned. Apparently, the salience of an…

Sharing personal life stories can be a powerful tool to confront stereotypes and educate about social justice issues. Effective use includes having a clear educational goal, choosing a story that conveys an experience that is understandable and relates to the educational goal, and providing a safe environment for voluntary sharing of personal…

Examines the drop-out factor in adult language classes. It is argued that when focusing on the learner as an individual, it is important to consider the social reality of the learning situation. The first task is to identify the motivational factors confronting teachers in the language classroom and to find ways to support the student's motivation…

A study investigated gender-related patterns of student talk in teacher-directed and student-directed peer response groups in college writing classrooms. Females in both groups asked more questions, made more suggestions, and more often used gender-typical language. Although females and males in teacher-directed groups responded equally, females…

Describes impediments to and advantages of child welfare agencies' use of parents' groups in working with parents. Outlines five stages in the development of a parents' group as the stages were implemented in a group for biological parents conducted by a child welfare agency in Brooklyn, New York. (SM)

The growth of personal autonomy was studies in a reflective, inquiry-oriented teacher education program, analyzing how often beginning teachers displayed critical reflection when their self-directed seminar focused on authority. Findings indicated the nondirective seminar devoted to promoting personal autonomy and collaboration did not meet…

Examines what happens when secondary remedial reading students work together in cooperative groups. Finds that, when students are seated in groups, cooperative student relations develop over the course of the school year, even though students did not receive instruction in cooperative learning procedures. (MG)

This survey of nine institutional and community settings serving persons with severe handicaps found (1) in groups managed by one or two staff, staff interactions, and client adaptive functioning improved with decreased group size; and (2) improvement in staff performance and client behavior from addition of staff to a client group was marginal or…

Presents a theoretical formulation that integrates, within the framework of expectation states theory, theories of the emergence of power-and-prestige orders in status-heterogeneous and homogeneous task-oriented groups. Discusses a model based on this theoretic formulation. Offers a model for predicting participation rates in open interaction…

Five winning guideposts that facilitate development and maintenance of a strong community relations program are climate building, confidence building, team building, image building, and commitment building. The influence of community relations on public education support bases depends immensely on personal and group interrelationships and the…

Examines the origins of small-group learning and distinguishes cooperative learning from other methods. Highlights include assessing the effects of cooperative learning, including cognitive effects; designing effective software for cooperative groups, including accountability, interdependence, interaction, ability grouping, age, collaborative…

The expected turbulent environment in the 1990s for higher education requires well-oriented, educated, and active governing boards. Suggestions based on interviews with over 120 college trustees and presidents are offered in the areas of trustee orientation, trustee education, group development, campus governance, and strategic planning. (MLW)

Observations of 4-year-old Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans and English-speaking African Americans in Head Start revealed that, during free play, children were determined to exercise control over their involvement with others. Most significantly, Hispanic children were reluctant to enter into verbal play with English speakers and thus received…

Reports on a collaborative learning project in which college-level counseling students designed and presented workshops on therapeutic intervention. Finds workshops stimulated more personal involvement with the topic and individual written papers ensured that all shared the workload. Concludes that workshops prepare students for collaborative…