Using planned, sequenced "group initiative tasks," effective cooperative skills can be taught and practiced in an atmosphere of fun and challenge. Such tasks are presented to a group for problem solving, using the physical and intellectual resources of the entire group. (JMM)

Describes the Death Response Team, a concept that has enabled the University of Minnesota to respond effectively to the needs of student groups after the death of a member. Provides information to foster the development of similar models in other educational settings. (Author/KS)

Team building and participatory strategies are techniques for increasing productivity in the workplace. Studies show that people often solve problems more effectively in groups, and they are more productive when they assume more responsibility for their work. (SK)

Encourages classroom teachers to engage in collaborative research. Addresses role of theory in research design, ethical/legal aspects of data collection/treatment, ownership of data, and communication among team members. Describes one-to-one friendship, teacher team catalyst, and cruise ship research models. Discusses how to formulate research…

Addresses the need for comprehensive health care services directed toward adolescents, outlining a multidisciplinary team program designed to provide such services. Discusses the national problem of teenage pregnancy and the multidisciplinary team's success with family planning counseling. Strongly encourages the development of more school- or…

Cooperative professional development is a process by which teams of teachers work together for their own professional development. Types of cooperative development described include the following: (1) professional dialogue; (2) curriculum development; (3) peer supervision; (4) peer coaching; and (5) action research. (MLF)

Kaizen is a Japanese management concept that means gradual, ongoing improvement involving everyone from top management to production workers. This concept is starting to appear in American companies, and it requires the personnel department to do a much more thorough assessment of job applicants, testing for leadership skills, interpersonal…

The Academic Advising Program at the United States Military Academy is described. Faculty members are organized (seven or eight for each cadet company) and accept responsibility for advising 60 cadets. This team includes representation from at least one of the humanities and one of the science departments. (MLW)

Risks to institutional data processing operations include physical damage, violations of data integrity, and restrictions of physical access. Development of a responsive and effective disaster recovery program is complex, requires significant effort and the use of specialized personnel, and spans all major disciplines and organizational levels.…

Describes four storyboard techniques frequently used in designing computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs, and explains screen display syntax (SDS), a new technique combining the major advantages of the storyboard techniques. SDS was developed to facilitate communication among designers, programmers, and editors working on a large CAI basic…

The higher education component of professional education neglects to teach some important non-exclusive skills such as working in one-to-one situations, working in teams and cooperative situations, continued learning, organization of one's work, and enabling others to learn. (MSE)

Examines characteristics of the successful computer assisted instruction (CAI) author, including knowledge required and time for planning, developing, and testing. Obstacles to successful teacher-author are described, including need for extensive training and uninterrupted free time. An alternative approach of teamwork between computer…

The role of the local, state, and national supervisor is explored in these six articles. Specifically, they discuss changes in the supervisor's role, a team approach to national leadership, responsibilities of state supervisors, the role of the state supervisor, qualifications needed by a supervisor, and the local agriculture education supervisor.…

Discusses the counselor's role in the development of individualized education programs which consider the nonacademic and affective needs of children. Presents examples of long-term goals suggested by a counselor to supplement special education services. (JAC)

The article describes an alternative approach to team training in special education which emphasizes transactional and ecological perspectives. Components, problems, and eight-year evaluation data on the approach are discussed. (CL)