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…

What kinds of teacher collaboration are most likely to improve what teachers--and, ultimately, students--learn during their time in school? This study looks within and across different collaborative activities that occurred among one teacher team. Observational data analyzed through a sociocultural theoretical framework suggest how the structure…

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…

Groups are a fundamental part of the business world. Yet, as companies continue to expand internationally, a major challenge lies in promoting effective communication among employees who work in varying time zones. Global expansion often requires group collaboration through computer systems. Computer-mediated groups lead to different communicative…

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)

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…

Examines the variety of informal groups of adolescents that exist throughout Russia today. Categorizes these groups according to their beliefs and behavior. Maintains that the situation of Russian young people today is a disaster zone. (CFR)

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…

Expresses concern that students need to be exposed to many musical options. Reports on a study of 242 high school students in select and nonselect choral ensembles. Finds that both groups prefer popular music over other genres and that nonselect choir members rated country music higher than select choir members did. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 226 high school students to examine the effects of competitive and noncompetitive performance goals on their ratings of band performances. Finds that secondary students approach competitive and noncompetitive music performance goals differently. (CFR)

This paper describes the organizational structure, managerial responsibilities, and working policy of the 26-year old Andrews University Honors Program, an undergraduate program that was designed to attract talented and motivated students to the school, and operate effectively even during times of declining college enrollment. First, the paper…

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.…

Asserts that efforts to achieve educational reform can have significant personal and professional effects on participants in the process. Presents "Ten Verities" as a perspective on the tremendous investment that participation in the reform process requires. Concludes that, the end product of world class geography standards will justify…

This series of discussion sessions and suggestions for further reading, was designed to serve as a guide for discussion groups made up of parents of preschool children. The first chapter discusses the organization of groups, leaders' qualifications, the general format of sessions, recordkeeping, and suggestions for the first and final sessions.…