Adult participation in book discussion groups satisfies lifelong learning needs. The informal learning that takes place helps adults acquire self-knowledge and construct new meanings by connecting texts and life. (SK)

The mental health consequences of having a handicapped brother or sister and factors that may be related to psychological adjustment are discussed. Also explored are the use of parental consultation, behavior modification, and discussion groups as potential intervention strategies with siblings of the handicapped. (Author)

Examines a model of professional development including preprofessional, autonomous, collegial, and postprofessional phases. Addresses the importance of reflective practice in moving from autonomous to collegial. Suggests the potential for computer-mediated communication to promote reflective dialogue. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

In brainstorming a group attempts to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously contributed by members. Brainstorming is recommended when the generation of ideas will be beneficial to the solution of problems. Four fundamental rules of brainstorming include: (1) criticism is not allowed during the thinking…

Designing preservice teacher education partially around voluntary study groups offers teacher educators a unique chance to examine group members' perspectives and understandings. This article examines the topics of concern and questions expressed by six general education student teachers in a collaborative dialogue group focused on inclusive…

Base Christian communities (also know as base-level ecclesial communities or CEBs) are small groups of Christians, mainly Catholics and mainly in Latin America, that come together for scripture study, prayer, and fellowship. They frequently turn their attention toward social ills and address problems existing within society. The origin of CEBs can…

The field of distance education is a dynamic field which includes a growing body of research. The field of distance education raises many questions which encompass the spectrum of human and technological questions of interest to those of us who practice various forms of distance education. As doctoral students in the field of distance education,…

Context: Founded in 1971 with state funding to increase the number of primary care physicians in rural Minnesota, the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) has graduated 1,175 students. Third-year medical students are assigned to primary care physicians in rural communities for 9 months where they experience the realities of rural practice with…

Many counselors do not use groups in counseling because they lack applied skills or are discouraged by past failures. Practical suggestions for effective group leadership are discussed in the context of mutual sharing, discussion groups, educational groups, problem-solving groups, growth groups, and therapy groups. (Author/BEF)

A synthesis of five studies that explored social climate issues in synchronous and asynchronous online courses found that teachers find it difficult to change their dominant role; students do not have enough interaction opportunities; teachers should support creation of a social climate; and students need training in new communication skills for…

A brief review of the literature on the various approaches which have been used to help children formulate their emerging attitudes towards reading and literature helps clarify the goal of creating lifelong readers. Samway (1991), discussing literature study circles, relates that students read the book they have selected, answer assigned…

Five studies on the advantages and disadvantages of small groups in teaching in higher education are discussed. These include works by M. L. Johnson Abercrombie; Barbara Cockburn and Alex Ross; M. L. J. Abercrombie and P. M. Terry; and Jean Rudduck. (JMF)

Many teachers are hesitant to incorporate peer-led discussion groups into their classrooms. Teachers worry that if they relinquish control in their classrooms students may miss the main theme of stories or may spend little time on task, groups may dissolve from excessive bickering, and their classrooms will be out of control. Nevertheless, the…

What is needed by a given group approaching termination will be determined by the uniqueness of the group. The group counselor is encouraged to rely on sensitivity and creativity in determining how to help a group cope with ending the group counseling relationship. (Author)

A discussion of the use of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) in the second language classroom focuses on whether the kinds of CMC available provide appropriate forms of interpersonal interaction to enhance learning. A review of recent research looks at what is known about the ideal conditions for learning a second language, the role of the…