A "Think Tank Discussion Program" was an effective means for promoting interaction among seven non-handicapped students and a profoundly hearing impaired student as well as providing a small group alternative to whole class discussion. The hearing impaired student's contributions were stimulated by comments from other students and the program…

Concepts of voice, meaning, mutual construction of knowledge, and transfer of learning are presented in this paper as critical ingredients that support the teaching of group work from an ecological perspective. Examples of these concepts are given to illustrate their application in group work classes. (Contains 1 table.)

Small group discussions can implement learning in courses comprised of very large numbers of students. Six significant components of a learning group are listed along with training suggestions for implementing a format for a free discussion type of group. (DS)

The term "risky shift" is used to describe the tendency of groups to make a collective decision that is less conservative than the members might make as individuals. Previous research on this subject has been based on three analytical categories: demographic makeup of groups, group familiarity with the task and information, or individual…

EDGE is a flexible group technique that enables participants to express, explain, exchange, and encapsulate their suggestions for creating their corporation's competitive edge. EDGE has two important outcomes: participants become more comfortable with each other and with problem solving, and they acquire small group skills. (JOW)

Measured clustering effect found during idea-generation phase of nominal grouping. Graduate students (N=23) used nominal grouping procedure to generate new ideas for market strategy program for new product, using five-step, two-vote procedure. Panel of three judges evaluated each idea on creativity and quality. Results support notion that nominal…

Investigates the nature of breakpoints, or the introduction of new topics, as they occur in group decision making processes. Defines breakpoints, analyzes the utility of the concept of breakpoints in group discussion, and offers tentative conclusions about the nature of group interaction. (SRT)

Suggestions for effective group communications are made briefly for the hearing impaired member of the group, the group leader, and the hearing members of the group. (CB)

Describes a new technology called Group Decision Support Systems, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of meetings in a variety of organizational contexts. (SR)

Explores what happens in senior medical student group sessions when students bring their own cases to the groups for discussion. Suggests that most groups run on a case-presentation and discussion format and that students want tutors to act as expert resources and be flexible in allowing students to direct the discussion. (Author/MM)

In this article I discuss an excerpt from a group discussion between five 15-year-old boys who, in the presence of an adult moderator, engaged in the act of "slut bashing" while telling a minimal story about an incident of female promiscuity. The analysis proceeds microanalytically in a three-step procedure that details the positions taken by the…

This paper describes how gestures are used to enhance scaffolding that occurs in small group settings. Sixth and eighth grade students participated in an elective science course focused on earth science concepts with a substantial spatial visualization component. Gestures that students used in small group discussions were analyzed and four…

This pamphlet on leading discussions is the first of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help leaders lead a discussion group or lead one better. Ten articles and how- tos are included.…

Whenever there is a data gathering need and a group of people have input, the group interview may be a viable approach. The authors offer a step-by-step model for conducting group interviews. (JOW)