Findings suggest, among others, that argumentativeness is an important variable in the perception of leadership, with the highly argumentative individual chosen leader over the moderate or mildly argumentative individual. Highly argumentative individuals were also rated as more influential on the group's decision. (PD)

Focuses on personality as a predispositional factor which is predictive of the direction of both persuasive argumentation by group members and, subsequently, decision shifting. Tends to validate the value theory of polarization by showing that persuasive argumentation can mediate the effect of personality on decisional shifting. (PD)

Describes a method of peer group teaching that stresses group responsibility and awareness of goals. (JL)

Found that of five "task-achievement functions" examined, two serve as accurate predictors of group problem-solving effectiveness. Specifically, found that (1) a negative relationship exists between group effectiveness and attempts to "establish operating procedures"; and (2) a positive relationship exists between group…

Describes a model which recognizes active and passive roles of teachers and learners as a means of identifying five basic methods of teaching. (CHC)

Identifies the dominant metaphor in five orientations to research in small group communication. Argues that these orientations provide little pedagogical assistance in small group instruction. Proposes an alternative humanistic perspective for group instruction as a persuasive, individualized process in which ultimate control over learning resides…

This article describes a 20-hour, eight-week course for experienced foster parents. Goals include understanding the causes of child abuse, understanding the consequences of child abuse, and understanding the interaction patterns which provoke child abuse. (Author/DB)

A year-long teacher's discussion group, organized and coordinated by a school psychologist, is described. Sanctions for the meetings, the meeting format, the role of the school psychologist, and an evaluation of this intervention strategy are discussed. (Author/MH)

Four exercises to help students get ready for class activities are presented. The exercises are designed to develop skills in listening and following directions, awareness and retention, giving directions, and office problem solving. The exercises involve paper and pencil, newspaper articles, and office problem situations. (MF)

The effects of student self-recording and contingent points on undergraduates' verbal behaviors during class discussions were investigated. The contingency system increased the percentage of students participating and the frequency of individual comments during each discussion. The points were more effective with reticent students. Students'…

Examines cooperative learning in youth services and adult education. Discusses characteristics of cooperative learning techniques; specific cooperative learning techniques (brainstorming, mini-lecture, roundtable technique, send-a-problem problem solving, talking chips technique, and three-step interview); and the role of the trainer. (AEF)

Describes research that investigated how use of an interactive videodisk information system helped preservice elementary school teachers expand their visions of teaching, learning, and assessment in mathematics. Teachers and lessons in the videos served as models for the preservice teachers and offered a springboard for student reflection and…

Examines assumptions underlying the use of groupwork in the teaching of English as a foreign language (FL) in China. The article concludes that the primary role of small group discussion in FL learning should be in the development of collaborative learning strategies to master content rather than interpersonal communication in the target language.…

Suggests ways to help college English-as-a-Second-Language learners become readers and in turn develop language comprehension. These include bringing a variety of books into the classroom, allowing students to choose their own books, providing blocks of time for independent reading and group discussion, and freeing the environment of…