This science column includes background information, discussion questions, science activities, writing activities, and a bibliography on a different topic each month. The titles of the five installments included in this compilation are: (1) "Chameleons and Other Quick-Change Artists"; (2) "Niagara Falls and Other Super…

Six question and answer exchanges between a teacher and a student were analyzed to illustrate teachers' intuitive practical knowledge of questioning skills. It is suggested that this knowledge of questioning techniques is systematic and organized and that the teacher draws intuitively from a systematic framework of questioning patterns. A theory…

Since the early 1980s the evolution of computer mediated communications (CMC) systems designed to support collaborative work has been characterized by two trends. One is the proliferation of new systems to take advantage of technological changes; the second is the incorporation of functionality into highly specialized or tailored application…

Drawing from observations of discussion in 24 different classrooms, this book will provide preservice and inservice teachers at the middle and school levels with the motivation and knowledge to use discussion to foster student comprehension of content area text assignments. The first chapter examines the distinctions between discussion and…

The use of informal group settings such as kaffeekranzchen for the maintenance of German language and culture among adult speakers is reported. Regular bimonthly kaffeekranzchen were held by a native German speaker at the suggestion of several German-Texan women, ranging in age from 40 to 79, who were interested in polishing and maintaining their…

A white administrator of an expanding social welfare agency shares some of the problems and successes in overcoming racial prejudice within himself and among his staff members. (CS)

Reports on a series of discussion sessions held with three groups of fathers at the University of Washington's Child Development Center, which offered a mutually supportive atmosphere so fathers could share concerns and feelings about their children and at the same time, obtain appropriate information and guidance. (CS)

Reflective journals have been used widely in teacher education programs to promote reflective thinking (Freidus, 1998; Carter & Francis, 2000; Yost, Senter & Forlenzo-Bailey, 2000). Smyth (1992) advocated that posing a series of questions to be answered in written journals could enhance reflective thinking. It was for this reason that…

Tips for teaching oral English and drama. (CH)

Similar to debate but demanding evidence instead of opinion, this teaching strategy stimulates students to examine the principles upon which their nursing actions are based. Mini-disputation, involving less preparation time, is also an effective teaching technique. (Author/MW)

Voluntarily initiated student verbal behaviors originating during classroom communication related to values awareness are identified, defined, and illustrated by examples. These behaviors are: (1) focus setting; (2) reporting course of action; (3) reporting value judgment; (4) reporting value; (5) reporting prediction; (6) reporting data; and (7)…

The author discusses two essential ingredients of a school program for behaviorally handicapped adolescents--the work experience program and group evaluation meetings. It is noted that these components help to provide experiences and develop behaviors that are relevant to the world of work and meet the unique needs of the young adolescent…

The study investigated the learning and attitudes of individuals in an individualized computer-assisted instruction (CAI) setting using a specially designed group CAI program to permit the entry and evaluation of responses from each group member. Results suggest that individuals in groups learn as well as individuals working alone with…

If teachers are to use the technique of small group work in their classrooms, students need to be prepared emotionally and cognitively for such a learning technique. In this article three phases are described which help students become more comfortable and more skilled in working in small groups. (Editor)