The question of "rights" is crucial to any group of institutionalized people as they feel they have lost their freedom. This group was developed to meet the needs of some angry, aggressive, acting out residents in the facility. It is clear that this discussion tapped some deep-rooted feelings and fears. (Author)

Investigates the group participant characteristic of unwillingness to communicate as it effects information processing in small groups. (MH)

Describes a public library outreach program for institutionalized senior citizens, including the rationale, local environment, management of the program, and individual literacy discussion sessions. The many positive results both to the participants and to the library are described. An annotated list of materials tested in several group situations…

Describes one teacher's approach to developing children's abilities as critical readers. Discusses classroom elements such as reading aloud to the class, student question writing, and small group discussions, which are influential in the process. (JK)

Selected comments on Hathaway and Fiedler's paper by a sociologist, an economist, a political scientist, a K-12 facility planner, a campus facility planner, and a school architect precede a discussion of how the paper can serve as a planning guide for school facilities. (MLF)

Analyzed communication among severely disturbed adolescents, recording interactions from computer-based "conferences" and small group face-to-face sessions, to determine differences in indications of psychological state, interpersonal interest, and expressive style. Content analysis revealed that computer-mediated communication was more, and more…

Advocates the use of active learning experiences in introductory sociology classes. Describes the use of an active learning module and reports results of students' learning. Concludes that students in the active learning condition did worse on a concept/definition test, but performed better on subjective measures of sociological thinking. (JDH)

This description of the activities of the Teachers of Children's Literature Discussion Group of the American Library Association highlights a newsletter, distribution of course syllabi, conference programs, and the findings of a survey of group members. The survey questionnaire covered basic emphases, teaching methods, satisfactions, problems, and…

Relates the implementation of a literature program for students in grade six based on reader response theory. (HOD)

Through teleconferencing, every school has the potential to dramatically improve the educational opportunities for its students at minimum cost. A telephone with an attached speaker allows an entire room to converse with experts in an author interview, informational conference, or professional enrichment conference. (Author/DCS)

To examine the effect of group support and physical activity on 75 physiological and psychological health indicators in women 40 to 64 years of age, 50 subjects were placed in exercise, discussion, exercise and discussion, or control groups. Pre- and postprogram psychosocial and physical measures were analyzed, and implications for prevention and…

Concludes that video teleconferencing may be a more effective method of dealing with complex group problem solving than face-to-face meetings. Discusses reasons for and implications of this finding. (PD)

Describes a "hands-on" thinking and writing activity, in which the class takes a walk and writes responses to nature as a whole and to one small aspect of nature. Includes class discussion assignments. (HTH)

The academic achievement of health sciences students whose discussion group was led by staff teachers was compared with those whose group was led by peers. Higher achievement was found in the staff-led group, but there was no difference in achievement in groups led by high-achieving and average-achieving students. (MSE)

A homeroom guidance program in middle schools is one way of helping adolescents adjust to the changes in their lives. One such program at a middle school in Massachusetts strives to develop a supportive group atmosphere where students can discuss adolescent issues and obtain useful advice. (TE)