The author advocates a trust-and-work-with approach" for administrators of schools plagued by student disruptions using student-faculty and student-administrator discussion groups to ease tensions. (AN)

In this study, constraint-based argumentation scaffolding was proposed to facilitate online argumentation performance and ill-structured problem solving during online discussions. In addition, epistemological beliefs were presumed to play a role in solving ill-structured diagnosis-solution problems. Constraint-based discussion boards were…

This manual contains a workshop curriculum that offers background information and activities rooted in the whole language approach. It is designed to address needs of employees with skill levels below fifth grade. Section I is an introduction to the changing workplace environment. Sections II-V cover problem solving, communication (speaking…

A test of distributional and sequential structure. (CH)

A review of small group communication research published mostly in regional and national journals up to 1969." (Author)

The present study focuses on the use of thinking types as a possible way to structure university students' discourse in asynchronous discussion groups and consequently promote their learning. More specifically, the aim of the study is to determine how requiring students to label their contributions by means of De Bono's (1991) thinking hats…

The development and evaluation of a parenting intervention based on Sigel's distancing theory and conceptualization of intervention processes is described. An iterative program development strategy was comprised of 3 studies: (1) Results of interviews with lower-income parents of Grades 1-4 children regarding views of children's futures and…

The purpose of this communication group is to train parents in the skills of active listening and conflict resolution. The model borrows extensively from Gordon's Parent Effectiveness Training. The parents learn to use communication skills and problem-solving techniques. (Author/PC)

One of the most valuable skills in group decision making is the ability to make trustworthy judgments about group performance. It follows from the "inferential model" of social cognition (Pavitt, 1989; Pavitt & Hight, 1986), that there are three types of judgments relevant to the group context: (1) behavioral (what the group did);…

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…

This collection of notes for novice conference planners provides information explaining the process of planning and implementing a statewide conference on families. Topics such as building preparation, exhibits and displays, finances, interpreters, keynote speaker, lunch and coffee breaks, funding and personnel as well as program scheduling and…

The author provides background on the junto and defines its role as a voluntary discussion group attempting to solve problems. She describes recent uses of the junto at conferences and provides guidelines for planning a typical group. (CH)

This book describes an inquiry-oriented form of professional development--the New Teacher Group--which provides teachers with opportunities to engage in discussions with their peers about problems experienced in their professional lives. Blending school psychology and teacher education, the book adapts a consultee-centered consultation model…

What do principals discuss when they get together to "talk shop?" This paper offers some answers and discusses implications for the preparation and professional development of school leaders. The activities reported in the paper were undertaken as part of the Cognitive Approaches to School Leadership (CASL) Project. In the broadest terms…