1. [Based on SCT in Website]: Think of a group of which you are a member. What symbols does that group use that have specific meaning for those in the group, but carry either a different meaning or no meaning at all to outsiders?

2. Find a video or on-line discussion of the Challenger (or some other well-known case of ineffective decision making). Discuss the theory in terms of Tuckman's stages of group development and groupthink. Which theory does a better job at explaining the processes of the group?

3. Attend a meeting of the city council or a local school board. Take notes on the interaction. Write a proposal for improving the group interaction, using principles that you learn from the various theories. Be sure to tie the principles explicitly to the theories. What does this exercise teach you about group functioning that you might be able to use as you get out of college and belong to (or train) work groups?

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