Presents the results of a study which investigated the content quality of classroom discussions in three tenth-grade social studies classes categorized as cooperative, competitive, or neutral (control). Findings did not support previous research regarding the content of group discussions and their structure. (JDH)

Reviews the software package, "Interaction Analyses," which makes the observation of communication transactions--commonly described as PROANA5--possible with a microcomputer. (PD)

The author describes her experiences as facilitator of a support group for mainstreamed deaf adolescents. Covering such topics as difficulties communicating with family members and conflicts with hearing peers and teachers, the group featured role playing and discussion. (CL)

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) has emerged as a powerful organization development philosophy that builds on past successes to impel positive change. AI is a highly participative, holistic approach to change that values the wisdom of members of the organization and amplifies positive forces. This session will introduce AI as a tool to enhance…

Student discussion-group leaders were assessed on indices of facilitative empathy, respect, and genuineness, and their behaviors were analysed by Flanders' interaction categories. None of the leaders reached minimally helpful levels of the facilitative conditions, and only two out of five could be categorized as "indirect" leaders. (Author/JA)

Article discusses a special training program for disadvantaged workers. (Author)

In this paper we describe and illustrate a number of techniques for using both expert and naive human beings for various functions within a totally programmed (validated) instructional system and to achieve reliable and replicable results." (Authors)

Students, faculty, and administrators expressed their feelings concerning the extent to which a community college was meeting its stated goals. (MF)

Describes the pilot phase of an innovative program that uses a structured group format to orient parents to their expected roles and to educate and support them in the process of deciding their children's futures. (Author/MP)

Examines the three components of bibliotherapy (group discussion, literature, and the trained leader) and the role of reading therapy in the provision of library services to handicapped persons. Fourteen sources are cited. (FM)

Biographies can be used for the enrichment of secondary education social studies classes. Two strategies are presented for helping students to understand the nature, appeal, limitations, and applications of biographies in the social studies. (CJ)

An extension of inoculation theory, controverted belief, was investigated by manipulating previous attack as part of a group discussion situation in which actual defense of an issue was considered essential for having an inoculating effect. The experimental groups were equally immunized against verbal attacks. (Author)

The study evaluated the use of a group approach with 31 clients (average age 33 years) of the Maine vocational rehabilitation agency who were experiencing difficulty with the state rehabilitation process or in their personal adjustment. (PHR)

Discusses the advantages of using the inquiry method of leading group discussions in composition classes. (RB)

Addresses the problems associated with deliberation: (1) hyperindividualism; (2) limited public dialog; and (3) increased hegemony of science and technology. Describes the naturalistic evaluation model used in rural Kentucky to critique the application of the National Issues Forum methodology. (JOW)