Asks questions related to the issue of freedom of speech, and uses that as a teaching strategy to examine the issues of citizenship rights and responsibilities. Provides 12 federal court cases as precedents and allows the students to be the judge by exploring the facts, the legal issues, and the constitutional principles. (NL)

Describes a flag-burning incident for classroom discussion on the issue of speech protected by the First Amendment. Includes background information and two legal opinions concerning the case. Encourages students to decide which opinion they agree with and which should be the majority opinion. (NL)

Describes an application-specific hypertext system designed to facilitate and capture policy and design discussions. The discussion includes an introduction to the Issue Based Information Systems (IBIS) method; a description of this graphical IBIS (gIBIS) tool; an example of a gIBIS interaction; and thoughts about future research. (13 references)…

Considers six key concepts in human genetics in a question-and-answer format designed to help guide students to an understanding of the concept. Lists eight workshops in human genetics for high school biology teachers and four curriculum material packages on human genetics. (CW)

Examined effects of information and discussion among married couples (N=36) in a marriage enrichment program. Found information had little apparent effect on couples, but discussion in groups improved couples' marriage satisfaction and their sexual and intellectual intimacy throughout the study relative to couples not receiving group discussion.…

Used meta-analysis to review 33 evaluations of school-based alcohol and drug education programs. Found typical substance abuse education had most positive effects on knowledge and attitudes, but was unsuccessful in changing drug-using behaviors of students. Attitudinal effects were significantly higher when peers were instructional leaders and…

Civil procedure courses are ideal for connecting doctrine and ethics because procedural rules strain constantly to balance competing interests. A University of Iowa course includes at least one significant moral discussion during each general doctrinal unit. (MSE)

Discusses problems associated with teaching non-recursive binary searching in computer language classes, and describes a teacher-directed dialog based on dictionary use that helps students use their previous searching experiences to conceptualize the binary search process. Algorithmic development is discussed and appropriate classroom discussion…

Behaviorally anchored rating scales, designed as a performance assessment tool, are applied to the assessment of student participation in classroom discussion for grading purposes. Specific instructions are given for introducing the scales in class and involving students in their use. (MSE)

Investigated gender differences among first-year medical students' attitudes toward discussion-oriented behavioral science course, performance on course essay, and locus of control. Found that female students generally evaluated course more favorably than did males, and scored more externally on locus of control measure. Found no sex differences…

Describes how student learning from a series of laboratory practicals was improved using small group methods and a structured learning cycle that encouraged reflection on group performance and investigative techniques. Discussion includes evaluation of learning benefits by means of written records, a questionnaire, observation, and the role of…

Reports on a study that recorded conversations about math in elementary classrooms. Notes a wide range of functions that the students employed in their talk, and that group size and leadership greatly affected the way in which language was used. Observes a process of mirroring that offers an important way by which mathematics "register"…

A discussion-leading guide is offered based on an instructional technique called TVDRP (television, discussion, rehearsal, and practice). It is designed to guide students as they view television or videos and then work through an eight-step thinking process for making decisions and solving social and academic problems. A TVDRP worksheet is…

The process pedagogy proposed here, based on Canadian Plains Indians' Sacred Circle teaching and educational practices at an aboriginal high school, views healing as transition toward meaning, wholeness, connectedness, and balance. The paper examines Whitehead's criticism of western metaphysics, the Sacred Circle as expression of aboriginal…

This article describes how to combine painting and poetry by studying famous paintings and poetry of recognized artists from both media. It covers how to design a project, discussing pictures and poems, and giving children a chance to create their own art. A sidebar lists artists and poets that work well together. Includes extension activities.…