Lead skillful groups and effective learning communities using 78 field-tested strategies for structuring time-efficient, task-focused meetings. Reduce preparation time and maximize the learning potential for all by using the authors' six functions for productive groups: activating; assessing, goal setting and planning; dialogue and discussion; generating ideas; summarizing and synthesizing; and text and information processing. Discover facilitation tips, rich examples, and extension ideas. This book will help K-12 group leaders: Receive clear directions for strategy application, including necessary materials, time frames, and group sizes Experiment with strategies and design elements in low-risk situations to refine their practice Reduce preparation time by accessing ready-made recording sheet masters and PowerPoint slides Discover tips for facilitation and collaboration, examples for use, and ideas for extensions Contents: About This Book Strategies for Activating Strategies for Assessing, Goal Setting and Planning Strategies for Dialogue and Discussion Strategies for Generating Ideas Strategies for Summarizing and Synthesizing Strategies for Text and Information Processing Additional Resources References Resources