Joining Together ─ Group Theory and Group Skills

A broad, integrative, unique overview of group dynamics, Joining Together bridges the gap between theory, research, and practice, and combines a conceptual understanding of group dynamics with what’s needed to develop effective small group skills. In it readers are involved in the content that combines the theoretical and empirical knowledge now available on group dynamics with practical ways to apply that knowledge in groups to which readers actually belong. Constructed so that the theory and research on group dynamics is taught experientially through exercises and simulations included in the book, Joining Together provides the ideal combination for ensuring success in working with groups.

All important areas of group dynamics are included, from the history of the field to decision making and conflict management, and applied chapters focus on such practical areas as valuing diversity, cooperative learning, leading counseling groups, and team development and training. Accessible, clear, and practical, it gives students the tools and skills they need to be effective group members and to ensure the effectiveness of any group to which they belong. 

David W. Johnson is an Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota.? He is Co-Director of the Cooperative Learning Center.? He received his doctoral degree from Columbia University.? He has authored over 500 research articles and book chapters.? He is the author of over 50 books.? He is a past-editor of the American Educational Research Journal.? He held the Emma M. Birkmaier Professorship in Educational Leadership at the University of Minnesota from 1994 to 1997 and the Libra Endowed Chair for Visiting Professor at the University of Maine in 1996-1997.? He received the American Psychological Association’s 2003 Award for Distinguished Contributions of Applications of Psychology to Education and Practice.? In 2007 he received (with his brother Roger) Brock International Prize in Education administered by the College of Liberal Studies at the University of Oklahoma.? In 2008 he received the Distinguished Contributions to Research in Education Award from the American Education Research Association.? In 2010 he received the Jeffrey Rubin Theory To Practice Award, awarded by the International Association for Conflict Management and the Program on Negotiation at the Harvard Law School.? In 2011 he received the A. M. Wellner Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.? For the past 40 years Dr. Johnson has served as an organizational consultant to schools and businesses throughout the world.? He is a practicing psychotherapist.

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Frank P. Johnson graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and received a Masters of?Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston and his Doctor in Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological School. He has 35 years experience in the field of Applied Behavioral Science, with professional recognition from NTL Institute of Applied Behavioral Science, Association for Creative Change, Consultant/Trainers Southwest, and the Mid-Atlantic Association for Training and Consulting. He was employed for 13 years at the University of Maryland Counseling Center, teaching group counseling, and, during that time was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Maryland School of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. He has written many journal articles, contributed chapters to books, and is the co-author of Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. He has been a consultant with a variety of organizations, including educational, governmental, religious, and industrial. From 1984 - 1996 he was employed at Ethyl Corporation as a Human Resources Development Associate. Since his retirement from Ethyl, he has served as an Interim Minister in several churches and is now employed as a Chaplain for Canon Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.