Promoting Student Development through Intentionally Structured Groups.

Very little has been written in the area of the application of structured or planned groups in college settings, particularly in making a direct connection between theories of college-student development and the use of groups to facilitate and encourage that development. Information is provided in this book for all in higher education who are concerned about the personal development of college students, especially outside the formal classroom. It is noted that intentionally structured groups (ISGs) have many applications on the college campus (such as professional staff development, helping students deal with their college experience, and training peer helpers). Two sections focus on the following: (1) principles and purposes of intentionally structured groups (what an ISG is and how it works, group dynamics and stages of group development, and using ISGs in student development); and (2) organizing and implementing successful groups (the planning process: establishing needs, resources, strategies, and objectives; deciding how to evaluate the group's effectiveness; strategies and skills for effective group leadership; starting, conducting, and concluding the group; and applying ISGs in student and staff development). ISGs can be employed in many college settings to prepare graduates to function effectively and purposefully within a group-oriented society. An appendix provides a sample manual for setting up an intentionally structured group. Contains 292 references. (SM)