ERIC Number: EJ805968
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jul
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0361-476X
Effects of Argumentation on Group Micro-Creativity: Statistical Discourse Analyses of Algebra Students' Collaborative Problem Solving
Chiu, Ming Ming
Contemporary Educational Psychology, v33 n3 p382-402 Jul 2008
The micro-time context of group processes (such as argumentation) can affect a group's micro-creativity (new ideas). Eighty high school students worked in groups of four on an algebra problem. Groups with higher mathematics grades showed greater micro-creativity, and both were linked to better problem solving outcomes. Dynamic multilevel analyses of the groups' 2951 turns of conversation statistically yielded 53 watersheds (breakpoints) that separated 36 high micro-creativity time periods from 37 low ones. Group member actions within the last two speaker turns also influenced micro-creativity. Compared to agreements, recent disagreements yielded 11% greater micro-creativity. Students who behaved rudely (rude disagreements, commands) showed less micro-creativity (-15% and -9%) than those who behaved politely (polite disagreements, questions/statements). In a special case, after a wrong idea, rude rather than polite disagreements raised groupmates' micro-creativity (+60%). Teachers might encourage students to evaluate ideas carefully, speak politely, and avoid impulsive responses to rude behaviors. (Contains 2 figures and 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Creativity, Persuasive Discourse, Cooperative Learning, Problem Solving, Group Dynamics, Algebra, Discourse Analysis, High School Students, Prosocial Behavior
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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