A mothers' discussion group was organized by school personnel to allow mothers to talk about their children who were having difficulty adjusting to Kindergarten. The mothers benefited from the experience by developing confidence in their ability to handle children as well as gaining new ways of dealing with problem situations. (CG)

The NOW" program attempts the development of the basic skills for personal growth in young people. In developing the skills for personal and community relationships, the program aims at individual renewal and institutional reform. (Author)

The school psychologist should conduct half hour discussions with entire classes with the teacher present. The discussions should be partially or wholly unstructured so that students can speak freely on whatever they feel strongly about. Students and teacher gain an appreciation of others' ideas and feelings. Excerpts from a tapescript of a…

Contrasted high-functioning and low-functioning persons in small groups using two studies based on Carkhuff's and Maslow's models of effective functioning. Results revealed high-functioning persons perceived interpersonal effectiveness as a Gestalt; low-functioning persons perceived interpersonal dimension operating independently. (JAC)

Describes Freshmen Awareness Groups, discussion groups designed to unite students, teachers and counselors in sharing ideas and feelings and becoming more aware of themselves and each other. Activities and goals for the five weekly sessions are outlined. (JAC)

Varied leadership style against form of address (Mr., Ms., Miss, Mrs.) in a simulated small group case study. Student ratings indicated significant effects due to leader style (i.e., greater subordination and stronger friendship attraction to democratic leaders). Authoritarian leaders using title Ms. evoked higher subordination than other…

Study circles, sponsored by government subsidy in Denmark and Sweden, are characterized by small group discussion of subjects of common interest, voluntary participation, and facilitators instead of teachers. They have often functioned in the formation of public policy and in the education of citizens on important issues. (SK)

Recounts how to use discussion groups to reinforce and expand upon lectures and how to link successive weekly topics by using thematic and role playing methods and a single theme. Theme used is perceptions of place and their ramifications in a decision making process. Journal availability: see SO 507 262. (Author/CK)

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)

The effectiveness of assertiveness training discussion group parenting programs with center-city and suburban parents was evaluated. All parents showed a significant pre- to posttest decrease in restrictiveness on Block's Child Rearing Practices Report, regardless of group membership. A significantly greater change was noted for center city…

Compared traditional classroom lectures with videotapes prepared by faculty, small group discussion with videotapes, and student conducted family interviews with videotapes prepared by students. Results showed increases in scores on all methods, but no significant differences between the three teaching methods. (Author/BEF)

Whether individual study of risk problems (familiarization) leads to greater risk taking was investigated. Subjects (N=160) in groups of five or alone developed arguments in favor of the successful risky outcome in six Choice Dilemma problems. Groups may be more efficient than individuals in developing arguments favoring culturally valued…

A method of curriculum evaluation developed in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba and used successfully for four years is described. The small-group discussion technique was applied to the pilot Curriculum Evaluation Seminar (CES), which both faculty and a majority of students have found to be an important evaluation method.…

Advocates that dialogue is a tool that transforms those that are involved in it and that it can create or improve relationships. Claims that Catholic schools should teach students how to have effective dialogue skills. Gives seven suggestions on how Catholic schools can change the status quo by nurturing dialogue. (MZ)

Books and online discussion groups encourage youth to develop strong narrative voices. Includes an annotated bibliography of books and Internet sites dealing with discovering the self and others; exploring race, culture, archeology, technology, war, poverty, gender and urban problems; creating and critiquing stories; and publishing industry…