In a small-group communication course, students participate in a semester-long project to observe an organization while applying many group communication principles, including conflict resolution, group dynamics, teambuilding, leadership, and diversity. In groups of five, the students select any organization, agency, or department on campus or in…

The objective of the exercise described here is to teach students about group formation using group concepts and theory. It also provides a unique way to form work groups for class projects. Students will become more aware of the reasons people join groups, the benefits groups provide for them, and an understanding of how groups are formed. The…

Offers a response to a beginning teacher's question concerning grouping children for instructional purposes. Offers five factors to consider when planning to use groups in the classroom. (MG)

The article recommends use of the classroom sociogram to help teachers form cooperative learning groups. The effectiveness of the cooperative learning method is enhanced when teachers balance cooperative groups with high group status children and mutual choice pairs. (DB)

Introduces an example project to describe a knowledge creation process and a practical mechanism for capturing and disseminating knowledge in a small working group. Describes the needs analysis, design process, and development process. (DDR)

Types of small groups for instructional purposes, and procedures, structure, and practical arrangements are discussed, and reference is made to the British system. It is suggested that an orderly beginning to small group work best suits novice tutors and inexperienced students. In some subjects tightly organized group work may become progressively…

Discussion groups are an excellent instructional strategy for exploring ideas, disclosing views on issues, and uncovering learning needs. Their strength lies in that they draw upon the experiences and values of the group members. They are most successful when structured in such a way that they encourage all members to contribute freely to the…

This book, written for trainers as well as for persons who occasionally provide training in a work setting, is organized in three parts. Each fact is individual, although there is some cross-referencing. "Running Staff Training Groups" focuses on the way in which trainers can use action learning methods such as role play to impart their…

This guide presents a two phase program for teaching communication skills in the elementary grades. The first phase focuses on teaching the conditions that constitute an effective group and the communications skills necessary for effective group relationships. Definitions of terms are presented to teachers as well as suggestions for teaching and…

Describes a technique to teach students about U.S. society that involves: assigning each person an imaginary occupation and family statistics. Students attend a mock 20-year high school class reunion. The class discussion that follows this activity explores group dynamics and social patterns that evolve along class lines. (GG)

Materials are provided from a 3-week workshop with 18 participants that was designed to prepare competent Pakistani trainers of trainers. The final report describes the Advanced Trainers Development Workshop (ATDW) design, development of participant and instructor manuals, participant selection and self-assessments, and participant presentations.…

This booklet is one of a series of teacher-written curriculum publications launched by the Bay Area Writing Project, each focusing on a different aspect of the teaching of composition. Step-by-step directions are provided to develop small writing response groups in any junior high or high school classroom, whether English, science, or social…

This package is the second of twelve in the Skills for Adult Guidance Educators (SAGE) system, which provides instruction in a set of necessary competencies specifically designed for adult education counselors, teachers, and paraprofessionals. The materials provide a process for developing and implementing counseling and guidance programs unique…

This document contains the materials required for two 6-hour workshop sessions designed to introduce educators working with adult basic education (ABE) and/or English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students to the use of cooperative learning in adult education classrooms by modeling. Included in the document are the following: introduction (overviews…