2002 - Volume 26, Number 1
Editor, David L. Hough, Missouri State University

Advisories Led by Trained Facilitators: Their Impact on Middle School Students

Susan MacLaury Kean University Union, New Jersey Zandra Gratz Kean University Union, New Jersey

Complete Article

Abstract

This study examined the impact of advisories led by staff trained in group facilitation. Data from 44 youngsters who participated in advisory groups (advisory) and 27 who did not (control) were examined. Participants were administered surveys measuring social support, school environment, and school performance. The data suggest a trend for youngsters in advisories to be more likely to share their feelings with a teacher, seek out help from persons in their community, and perceive improvement in their school behavior, relative to the control group. Conversely, advisory youngsters, compared to the control group, were less likely to report sharing with other students. Results are discussed with regard to the stage of group development and advisor training.

ISSN 1084-8959