In an effort to combat racism, antiracist activists often use the structure of dialogue groups for interracial and transcultural discussions. The assumption that spoken English is an equally accessible language can pose barriers to participation in such groups. The use of art processes in interracial dialogue groups can shift the power dynamics…

"Integrating Information & Communications Technologies Into the Classroom" examines topics critical to business, computer science, and information technology education, such as: school improvement and reform, standards-based technology education programs, data-driven decision making, and strategic technology education planning. This book also…

The aim of this research was to improve understanding of the attitudes, experiences and dynamics of interaction of students working in online groups. This was achieved through a case study of postgraduate Information Studies students using the WebCT discussion board at City University in the academic year 2004-2005. Qualitative and quantitative…

This paper is intended to help leaders of meetings develop a repertoire of responses that they can use to maintain control over meetings when individuals attempt, consciously or unconsciously, to dominate those meetings. The 15 most common forms of disruptive behavior are listed. The next section suggests eight tactics that a meeting leader might…

This study sought to refine the concept "procedures" in small group communication. Two categories with eight corresponding properties were delineated and incorporated into a Likert-type scale designed to assess a person's preference for procedural order in task-oriented groups. The instrument was checked for reliability and then…

Fifty volunteer undergraduate students majoring in speech pathology and audiology at the University of North Dakota tested the following hypotheses: (1) leaders exhibit significantly more nonverbal cues than do nonleaders in task-oriented and informal small groups; (2) members of task-oriented small groups exhibit significantly more nonverbal cues…

The small-group process is discussed in relation to its use as a teaching method; the objections to and advantages of small groups are enumerated, and numerous group interaction diagrams are listed. Also, various exercises and guidelines for successful group application are presented. A final section is devoted to the different kinds of groups and…

The article presents techniques to improve the use of observers in group training activities where participants observe the exercises and provide feedback to the group. Four figures give guidelines for using materials and procedures with these techniques. (MF)

An approach to problem solving, said to lessen the barriers in the usual small group or committee situation, is described as a structured, task-directed method of brainstorming. Rules for brainstorming, organizing, a sample brainstorming assignment, and potential merits and pitfalls of the system are given. (MF)

The current study analyses developmental trends in sensitivity training groups by exploring the sequence of interpersonal issues or problem areas which emerge at different periods in the life span of such groups. (Author)

Compares high and low consensus discussions, and identifies patterns of communication which differentiate the two levels of agreement. Describes several interactional differences, including the variety of integration methods employed, and the method and distribution of generating possible solutions to the problem. (MM)

Strongly confirmed the hypothesis that groups employing an interacting decision procedure would produce better decisions than groups employing procedures that are either nominal (Delphi) or "staticized" (individual judgments statistically pooled). Provides clear and consistent support for the value of social interaction in small group…

Describes an exercise called "Building Blocks' that demonstrates the risky shift and polarization effects of small group discussion. (PD)