Group research projects frequently are used to teach undergraduate research methods. This study uses multivariate analyses to examine the characteristics of higher-achieving groups (those that earn higher grades on group research projects) and to estimate the effects of participating in higher-achieving groups on subsequent individual learning…

In business higher education, group project work plays an essential role. The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationship between the group heterogeneity of students' business project groups and their academic achievements at both group and individual levels. The sample consists of 536 freshmen from an International Business School…

The report contains topics included in a plan for research on academic groups and collectives which might be as follows: The mechanism for regulating the effectiveness of people's interactions and conditions governing the selection and recruitment for academic groups and collectives; Methods of evaluating the social-psychological characteristics…

Focuses upon group processes in order to assess the relationships among group composition, interactive processes, and pupil understanding when a cooperative decision-making task is attempted. Reports the nature of discussion in three broad group types and the relationship of this dialogue to pupil understanding. Suggests other related issues for…

Research bearing on three aspects of small group learning is examined: (1) the relationship between interaction and achievement, (2) cognitive process and social-emotional mechanisms bridging interaction and achievement, and (3) characteristics of the individual, group, and reward structure that predict interaction in small groups. (Author/PN)

Using empirical evidence from 48 classrooms, argues that structural and organizational factors affect the stability and the formation of ability groups in an elementary classroom, which in turn affect growth in academic achievement. Holds that teachers are often impeded from forming the types of groups most conducive to student learning. (CMG)

Presents a network-assessment technique and examples showing how group experiences affect children's behavior. Compares classical sociometry and the use of composite social maps. Discusses quantifying peer-network information, using peer-network profiles as context descriptors, and identifying change in children and networks. Shows that peer-group…