Circles are everywhere and endlessly intriguing. We know, sense, and feel them in time, space, sound, and the cycles of nature. A person's life contains spirals, repetitions, going out and coming back. Poets write of circles; composers write song cycles. Circles are at the root of the curriculum, concepts deep yet accessible, infinite in their…

As the end of the school year draws near, children may become disruptive or exhibit anxiety and excitement due to the anticipation they feel about transitioning from their present class to the next. This paper offers suggestions on how to use group time discussions to acknowledge the children's feelings and to encourage them to share what they are…

Identifies limitations of Kolb's model of experiential learning: (1) overemphasis on individuals, ignoring social processes in learning and (2) image of the manager as practical scientist. Suggests broadening the model by considering the role of conversations and the value of group-based approaches in learning. (SK)

Recalls memorable moments from the author's public school life which imply that the best possible learning environments are active, meaningful, personalized, and collaborative; nourished by conversation, by reading, and by writing among teachers, administrators, parents, and students; and that the best teachers are learners. (SR)

Discusses a poetry therapy group held at a supportive single room occupancy residence (SRO) in East Harlem, New York City. Describes the SRO, the group members, techniques, and work produced by members. Discusses issues of social integration, separation, and childhood as special difficulties of psychiatrically impaired people. Argues that poetry…

Discusses the ways in which games change to adapt to new circumstances or needs. Looks at four games used in adventure- or experiential-education settings and the changes in procedures and props that developed over time. (SV)

When outlining is used as a task to focus discussion of a reading selection in small collaborative learning groups, it helps students to map out a sequence of ideas on a trial basis, takes the pressure off students to come up with a "right answer," and gives them a feel for the process by which meaning gradually develops and unfolds.…

Describes classroom management and learning activity applications of microcomputers in Future Homemakers of America/Home Economics Related Occupations group activities. (SK)

Four authors discuss the benefits of using games and icebreakers in workshops and training situations and give examples. (JOW)

Points out that the concept of winning is an integral part of American culture, especially in athletics. Argues that theater programs should not be judged by the number of awards they win--theater is a cooperative venture rather than a competitive one. Recounts how a formerly competitive theater conference has now downplayed competition and…

The proposal project stretches over a significant portion of the semester-long sophomore course Professional Communication (ENG 250) at Monroe Community College. While developing their proposal project, students need to use time management skills to successfully complete a quality project on time. In addition, excellent oral and written…

Suggests that open interaction is exquisitely controlled social behavior, and groups employing it possess an impressive potential for social influence. These misrepresentations of the power of the activity and the group leader constitute a kind of mystification by the practitioner of himself or herself and his or her clientele. (Author/BL)

Communication among hearing and hearing impaired professionals can be improved by attention to preparation factors (such as careful consideration of the arrangement of the meeting room), aspects of the conduct of the meeting (including discouraging side conversations), and wise use of interpreters. (CL)

Group communication and interactive techniques are an important means for accomplishing office tasks. Teachers should plan learning activities which require and simulate planning and interaction in small groups to develop these communication skills. (SK)

Discusses the role of listening in the language arts and provides a six-stage group project for developing a variety of listening skills. (HTH)