The articles in this issue of Learning Quarterly, published by the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology (British Columbia), discuss "Charting a New Course," a strategic plan for the college, institute, and agency system in British Columbia. Introduced in 1996, the plan resulted from a collaborative effort in which institutional…

A study examined a group of Israeli teacher educators who met to develop a new integrative curriculum, investigating characteristics of the curriculum development process and of the planning group as a professional discourse community. Data sources included transcripts of 26 conferences throughout the year, participant interviews, and participant…

A study of students' group learning behavior in a laboratory course in experimental engineering at the University of New South Wales, Australia is reported. Observations of students at work and students' reports of their group activities indicate continuing group involvement in an extensive range of collaborative peer learning activities.…

Investigated the attitudes of Nigerian professors (N=21), university administrators (N=21), and students (N=128) towards student participation in decision-making. Results showed significant differences between professor, student and administrator attitudes. The no-significant difference between the professor and administrator groups was expected.…

Characteristics of new teams are reviewed with attention being given to variables that must be addressed to ensure their effectiveness. A process model of team building also is described, and implications of research on group effectiveness for multidisciplinary teams in schools are discussed. (Author/PN)

This paper presents four challenges facing multidisciplinary teams (MDT): (1) ensuring efficient use of available time; (2) developing the skills and knowledge base of team members; (3) assigning available personnel resources; and (4) developing strategies for reduction of team member stress guidelines for planning internal MDT evaluation…

Three areas related to decision making are discussed: (1) a research survey summary of multidisciplinary team decision making (MTD); (2) four approaches for structuring MTD decision making; and (3) styles of leadership as a factor that impacts on the decision-making teams. (Author/PN)

A problem-oriented approach originally designed for patient record keeping by Dr. Lawrence Weed was adapted to facilitate decision making by administrators of student health care services at the University of Southern California. A description of the approach is given, and reactions of staff members are described. (PP)

The Self-Actualizing Case Method (SACM) fosters high trainee involvement by making the group responsible for all aspects of the case study, including its presentation, analysis, and peer evaluation. The authors discuss this teaching method and include a survey analysis of trainees' attitudes to SACM. (PD)

The author explains the particular relevance of participatory decision making for the Catholic school administrator, with reference to such organizational theories as McGregor's Theory Y and Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. (Author/SJL)

The author states that the classical authoritarian organizational model and managerial style are being replaced by participative and matrix forms of corporate activity. He focuses on setting tomorrow's norms in human resource development. (CT)

A method of developing, timing, and integrating information for sharing with diverse groups represented in university decision making is described. Systematic information sharing in institutions is needed to serve management, administrative, and planning functions, and to enhance understanding and support of these institutions by their…

The authors elaborate a strategy for public school improvement that involves (1) collaboration between teachers and administrators in planning and decision making and (2) decentralization of school administration. New roles for teacher unions and professional associations are described. (SK)

Under the leadership of a new president, Arkansas College engaged in a year-long evaluation and planning process. The "Small College Academic Management Project" (SCAMP), aimed at dispersing academic decision-making authority while maintaining the necessary decision-making accountability relationships, is described. (MLW)

The state and federal governments have recently mandated increased teacher participation in decisionmaking. Once a district has become open to this concept, the administration must help teachers to redefine their own role conceptions and to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to their new tasks. (Author/SJL)