Indicates that speaking skills (especially dialogue) are not adequately taught in management education. Describes effective dialogue as: defining the problem, gathering facts, interpreting the evidence, considering alternatives, and reaching decisions. Discusses various aspects of agreement and disagreement. (TJ)

An extension of inoculation theory, controverted belief, was investigated by manipulating previous attack as part of a group discussion situation in which actual defense of an issue was considered essential for having an inoculating effect. The experimental groups were equally immunized against verbal attacks. (Author)

The study evaluated the use of a group approach with 31 clients (average age 33 years) of the Maine vocational rehabilitation agency who were experiencing difficulty with the state rehabilitation process or in their personal adjustment. (PHR)

An ex-teacher discusses her inability to handle sex-related issues in her eighth-grade classroom and explains her method of dealing with the situation by ignoring it. (MB)

Discusses the advantages of using the inquiry method of leading group discussions in composition classes. (RB)

Discusses TRDEV-L, a listserv comprised of subscribers who discuss a variety of issues related to training. Points out advantages and drawbacks to joining the group. Identifies key Internet resources for trainers. (JOW)

Addresses the problems associated with deliberation: (1) hyperindividualism; (2) limited public dialog; and (3) increased hegemony of science and technology. Describes the naturalistic evaluation model used in rural Kentucky to critique the application of the National Issues Forum methodology. (JOW)

Proposes intentionally designed, permanent spaces on campuses for identifying, studying, deliberating, and planning action regarding pressing issues with ethical or social implications. Describes ways conversations can be structured on campus to practice and teach the skills of democratic dialogue. (SLD)

Discusses the author's experience as a playwright and teacher of public readings of early drafts of new plays. Explains the Five Step Model for these readings as follows: prepare the playwright before the reading; prepare the audience with a precurtain speech; after the reading, establish discussion ground rules; remember these guidelines during…

Describes a drama course, which included 20 play readings and discussions as well as descriptive commentary focusing on the play's inherent strengths and the laws which govern the world of the play. Explains how, when reading a certain student play, many of those present grew impatient with the play's alleged inaccessibility. Contends that…

Explains that five members of the Cornish faculty from various departments and a student came together across lines of discipline and departments to form a dramaturgy team. Notes that this experience created a new presence for the scholar/artist in the productive process. Suggests that the team's commitment to the students as educators contributed…

Using dialogue theory based on Bakhtin, Rommetveit, and Lotman, analyzed an asynchronous Web-mediated discussion in a philosophy class. Found that the high degree of interactivity and dialogicality resulted from the quality of the assignment, the role of the teacher, and the symmetry of the participants. Discussion entries combined dialogic and…

Study circles such as the National Issues Forums encourage members to reflect upon and discuss community and social issues and foster reasoned advocacy and informed choices. (SK)

Describes a versatile small-group exercise, "Ask the Expert," that encourages appropriation of lecture material by students while enriching their own sense of expertise. Presents a step-by-step procedure and discusses benefits of the exercise. (Author/PVV)

Presents the details and evaluation of a laboratory exercise that introduces professional and agricultural ethics into a course on sustainable agriculture. Concludes that including material on ethics in existing courses appears to be an effective way to increase the ethical content of a curriculum and emphasizes ethical decision making as an…