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…

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…

This article outlines the rationale for and development of a small group piano teaching approach for application in the higher education environment. The influences on and the rationale for current preferences in the piano teaching field are considered, prior to an investigation of the literature, which reveals a number of issues of concern in…

This fact sheet on cluster grouping of gifted students explains what cluster groups are, contrasts cluster grouping with tracking, offers a rationale for cluster grouping, outlines the special learning needs of gifted students, lists specific skills needed by cluster teachers, points out that cluster grouping should supplement rather than replace…

Types of small groups for instructional purposes, and procedures, structure, and practical arrangements are discussed, and reference is made to the British system. It is suggested that an orderly beginning to small group work best suits novice tutors and inexperienced students. In some subjects tightly organized group work may become progressively…

The ultimate goal of a learning group is to help the learner achieve his goals and objectives and to help him learn to live in a rapidly changing and evolving society. The internal dynamics discussed in the article provide a basis for understanding learning group processes. (Author)

This guide was designed to help individuals interested in developing caregiver support groups. It begins with an overview of the caregiving situation, identifying stresses associated with caregiving and factors which have been shown to moderate stress. Purposes of a support group are discussed; differences between support and therapy groups are…

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…

This paper examines the role of Colorado's community-based child protection teams in the investigation and treatment of child abuse and neglect. The first section contains data from a survey of all Colorado counties as reported by team coordinators and members. It includes information on team composition, structure and operation, and training. The…

Describes classroom discussions with third and fifth graders based on William Glasser's "Schools without Failure". These discussions encouraged the teachers and children to experience their own feelings and understand others and to engage in democratic problem-solving activities. (SDH)

Using a case study of a client with common problems in placing women in non-traditional positions, this speech raises questions of diagnosis and intervention and presents an alternative organizational model that is then applied to the case study. The organizational model emphasizes four components: (1) mission (purpose or rationale for existence…

A THREE-YEAR FIELD STUDY ABOUT THE CULTURE BASED PATTERNS THAT ARE CAUSES OF THE ETHNIC CLEAVAGE CHARACTERIZING ANGLO-MEXICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTHWEST WAS CONDUCTED IN ROSARIO, CALIFORNIA (55 PER CENT MEXICAN AMERICAN AND 40 PER CENT ANGLO). THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF ROSARIO APPROACHES SIMMONS'"CASTE POLE" OF A RANKING…

THE T-GROUP IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN REEDUCATING THEMSELVES TOWARD IMPROVED SKILL IN HUMAN RELATIONS. MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO DEVELOP THEIR GROUP TOWARD CONSENSUS WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE PERSONAL GROWTH AND LEARNING OF EACH MEMBER, AND THEN, THROUGH ANALYSIS, EVALUATE HUMAN EVENTS THAT OCCUR IN THIS PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT. THE TRAINER DENIES…