This study compared the effects of drama and drawing planning activities with a traditional planning activity (discussion) on the quality of second and third graders' narrative writing. After 15 sessions, researchers found that drama and drawing were effective forms of rehearsal for narrative writing and more successful than discussion. (SM)

Provides guidelines for classroom discussions of bioethical issues. Equipped with an ethical reasoning model, teachers can help to prepare students to make responsible decisions about science-related issues. (ZWH)

Describes the use of concept cartoons as a teaching strategy. The cartoons represent scientific ideas in everyday situations and use published research to identify common areas of misunderstanding which then provide a focus for the concept cartoons. Cartoons provide teachers with good access to children's ideas, promote conceptual change,…

A color-blind approach often signifies that an educator has not considered what racial/ethnic identity means to youngsters. Students want to find themselves reflected in the faces of teachers and other students. Color-conscious teachers seek out materials that positively reflect students' identities and initiate discussions about race and racism.…

Investigates the patterns of intertextual linking as learners engaged in problem solving when using hypermedia. Learners were observed in their synthesized discourse in six cases using Perseus, a Greek culture database. Discusses themes that emerged from learners' on-line protocols and interactions and implications for instructional designers.…

Constructivist-based discussions in the science classroom were elicited through the application of an intervention model for effective whole-class discussion based on the "Philosophy for Children" program. Pre- and post-test measures indicate that the experimental class experienced significantly greater gains in scientific reasoning than…

Presents the Conceptual Understanding Program (CUP) as a means of helping first-year university physics students overcome their misconceptions in mechanics. Students work on exercises alone, then in threes, and finally as a class, which has resulted in high levels of participation and satisfaction among students. This strategy can be implemented…

Discusses the merits of student discussions in science classrooms. Focuses on resolving differences of opinion about social and ethical issues. Recommends that students be expected to carefully explain the reasons for their opinions. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Suggests that professors who want to increase students' participation and foster student involvement should employ panel debates in their classes. Outlines the background readings and organization steps required to set up a panel debate. Reviews literature relating to the use of student debates in sociology instruction. (DSK)

Explores moral learning within the context of adult education. Examines two established modes of practice, acknowledging learners' experiences and using discussion circles, both described as flawed. Enumerates core processes of moral learning and finds that reflection on the validity of moral norms assimilated in childhood is central to adult…

Investigated how regular group discussion promotes reflective thinking. The study focused on three experienced English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners in South Korea who came together in weekly meetings to reflect on their work. Implications for the use of teacher-development groups as a means to promote critical reflection are discussed.…

Describes three therapeutic group activities used with adolescents, adults, or families in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection. Activities involve moving beyond…

Describes a historical empathy lesson that requires high school students to understand, explain, and evaluate why Neville Chamberlain followed the policy of appeasement in his negotiations with Adolf Hitler. Defines historical empathy and includes an appendix with list of key events, student investigation sheet, and resource materials. (CMK)

Investigates the five factors that affect teachers' use of discussion as a means to promote more frequent use of that strategy. Shows that teachers' perceptions of their students influence their teaching techniques. Concludes that familiarizing future teachers about discussion as a teaching strategy could encourage its use in the classroom. (CMK)

Describes how the author incorporated dialog journal writing (in which university students and elementary school partners hold weekly literature discussions by email) into her reading methods course. Discusses the planning stage, preparation of university students, preparation of elementary school students, the electronic mail discussion, and the…