It appears that the use of group activities is continuing to gain momentum in both mainstream education (Gillies, 2007) and L2 education (Jacobs & Goh, 2007), based on support from theory, research and people's own experiences with groups as teachers and students. However, the use of group activities brings with it a host of questions that…

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…

Previous research suggested that social support, belongingness and mastery goals were related to the quality of cooperative learning (CL). In this in-depth study we explored how to differentiate between four effective CL teams and four ineffective CL teams, in terms of students' goals and perceptions of instructional conditions. Apart from the…

This paper investigates the effects that different patterns of similarity among group members have on a group's performance on a problem-solving task. I discuss and test hypotheses on the effects of similarity on group performance derived from two literatures: balance theory and research on homophily. In an experiment I found that the relative…

A search of the literature of librarianship reveals that very little has been written concerning library school student associations. Two questionnaires were designed; one to be sent to the deans or directors of American Library Association accredited library schools; one to be sent to the presidents of student associations at American Library…

This article discusses the use of teaching teams to encourage active learning in a business communication class. The author offers examples of short activities that can be used to help create an active learning environment. Some of these favorite activities include homework reviews, the value line, 3-2-1 processor, and muddiest point. In each of…

An approach to problem solving, said to lessen the barriers in the usual small group or committee situation, is described as a structured, task-directed method of brainstorming. Rules for brainstorming, organizing, a sample brainstorming assignment, and potential merits and pitfalls of the system are given. (MF)

A survey of existing community centers governing bodies, activities, and directors was made in order to prepare a graduate course for center directors at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Difficulties in defining and identifying a "community center" were found due to the great diversity of organization. (MF)

Sees introduction of specific structures and exercises in psychotherapy group as directly controlling course of events and affecting members' perceptions of the group and leader. Asserts that exercises must highlight, rather than bypass, existing group processes. Presents five-step model for preparing, working with, processing, generalizing, and…

Describes an encounter group process using Van Servellen's (1984) systems' model and Yalom's (1985) therapeutic factors as a guide for analysis to resolve conflict among faculty. Presents use of structure, communication, and process components of the model that provided direction for group leaders to analyze small group interactions and select…

THIS PUBLICATION IS ONE OF A SERIES ON CURRENT RESEARCH AND RESOURCES COMPILED BY THE COUNSELING AND PERSONNEL SERVICES INFORMATION CENTER. RESUMES OF SELECTED LITERATURE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SMALL GROUP WORK ARE PRESENTED. SOME OF THE RESEARCH HAS COME FROM THE PERSONNEL PROFESSIONS WHILE OTHER DEVELOPMENTS HAVE COME FROM THE FIELDS OF…

This booklet is one in a series designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by suggesting specific classroom activities based on current educational theory and research. Approximately half of the booklet is devoted to a review of current research and theory concerning small group discussion and interaction. The second half presents…

Games are described as techniques for structuring a group situation to assist in acquiring cohesiveness. Discussed briefly are the Who Am I Game," the Lemon Game," the Face the Wall Game," and Would This Person Game." (Author/CJ)

Examined effects of workgroup size and structure during collaborative work on complex tasks. Found that dyads produced greater collaboration for low-achievers, whereas small groups generated more cognitive conflict among other students. Productivity did not differ as a function of background structure. Findings posed implications for optimizing…

Under individual reward conditions, sociometric groups were found more likely than random groups to function outside the classroom, whereas under shared reward conditions both types of groups were equally viable. Working in groups did not affect subsequent individual test performance; however, on a joint project, teamwork resulted in better…