Describes how the author introduces her students to books by talking about the character in the books as if she knows them and as if they are her friends. Notes how referring to characters as "friends" opens up more possibilities for open discussions of sometimes controversial topics. (SG)

Illustrates how dyads and group discussions can build student confidence and bring out the mathematician in all students. Dyads provide the structure and opportunity for all to develop their potential. (ASK)

Following a study finding that British teachers of post-16 English primarily used teacher-led recitation, four teachers were coached in alternative discourse strategies. The training resulted in a higher level of student initiation, thinking, and reciprocal listening. (SK)

Describes the everlasting effects on herself, her third-grade students, and their parents upon reading the novel "Tuck Everlasting." Suggests the reading of that novel fundamentally altered the author's understanding of teaching, literature, life perhaps, and especially the kinds of relationships teachers have with children. (RS)

Discusses factors related to the successful delivery of online programs, based on experiences at Nova Southeastern University. Topics include on-campus visits by online students; timing; synchronous versus asynchronous methods; threaded discussion boards; assignments; learning resources; administrative and technical support; faculty issues; the…

Makes a case for why teaching about 'ideas and evidence' requires more attention to the teaching of argument in school science. Outlines various practical methods and strategies of local teachers through which this might be achieved. Explores difficulties and obstacles. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/ASK)

This research project investigated manifestations of critical thinking in pupils 10 to 12 years of age during their group discussions held in the context of Philosophy for Children Adapted to Mathematics. The objective of the research project was to examine, through the pupils' discussions, the development of dialogical critical thinking…

This case study investigates the participant structure of leadership in online course environments and helps instructors design and facilitate high-quality lessons. Researchers used course experiences that were authentic, collaborative, and computer-based to collect student data: assignments, discussion transcripts, and interviews. Analysis of the…

A Talking Circle incorporates traditions from various Native American tribes and represents the practice of gathering as a community to solve problems, and the practice of respectful listening. This article describes the benefits of introducing students to a Talking Circle as a way of creating community in the classroom. Having a weekly class…

Phyllis Whitin was interested in the role of communications in developing mathematical understanding among children. She designed a problem-posing explorations system, which encouraged children to think, question, solve problems and discuss their ideas, strategies and solutions.

In this paper, we draw on Bernstein's [1996. "Pedagogy, symbolic control and identity: Theory, research, critique." London: Taylor and Francis] notion of "framing" of pedagogical communication to propose a framework for use in specific literacy contexts. Here, we illustrate how this framework has emerged from an examination of text response online…

Much recent educational research focuses on teaching and learning within classroom conversations. This raises the question of the role of ICT as a support for such conversations. The central argument of this paper is that the dual nature of computers, as machines (objects) which can be made to act as if they were people (subjects), allows them to…

In this article, the author distinguishes between traditional talk and reform talk. These two forms of approaches are often used in discussions concerning reforms in science instruction. Traditional talk focuses on student acquisition of scientific facts, concepts, principles, and skills while reform talk emphasizes that teachers must challenge…

Two university researchers conducted a survey of middle school teachers' read-aloud practices at a large state conference for middle level educators. Results of this survey provide a beginning step toward evaluating the ways in which middle school teachers use read-alouds in the classroom. This paper shares the results of the survey and offers…

This article considers the issues of attendance and non-attendance, the latter of which has been recently linked with "behaviour" in a range of policy initiatives in England. John Dwyfor Davies and John Lee review some of the existing material on non-attendance and then draw on data they have collected in one large English city. The…