Describes the experiences of two teachers as they examined transcripts of children's conversations in book sharing sessions. Finds that the common ordinary exchanges which initially worried the teachers frequently served definite and significant purposes. (SR)

Examines classroom discussions of Jerry Spinelli's novel "Maniac Magee" to see how literature discussions can help both teachers and students understand and express their own and others' cultural and social identities. (SR)

Examines elementary literature instruction in Stanford University's Teacher Assessment Project (TAP). TAP candidates carried out exercises assessing their classroom instructional abilities. A study used data from the exercises to discuss best practice in teaching literature, noting that certain exercises were amenable to professional growth and…

Describes 12 successful practices for literature programs which evolved as students and teachers talked about books. Finds that these practices minimize the basalization of literature and maximize the analysis of and dialogue about literature. (MG)

Analyzes the interpersonal skills of 14-year-old girls and boys (n=15) who were participating in group discussions as part of the oral test for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GLCE). The analysis focuses on the pupils' use of minimal responses, interruptions, and questions that draw others into the discussion. (26 references) (GLR)

Describes a study that examined instructor perceptions of the effectiveness of various instructional methods used with interactive television at Ohio University. The frequent use of the lecture format, group discussions, and overhead transparencies is examined, recommendations for faculty training are discussed, and future research is suggested.…

A teacher educator describes an oral form of case study that makes shared experiences between teachers and students the raw material for crafting cases. Collaborative classroom discussion promotes the development of a more reality-based view of teaching. His greatest successes have been in crafting cases from his own pedagogical failings. (SM)

Presents two exercises designed to demonstrate the influence of two Adlerian principles on personality. Includes exercises dealing with birth order and earliest recollection. Concludes that the exercises actively demonstrate major concepts for counseling courses in Adlerian psychotherapy. Reports that students rated both exercises highly, with…

The "Educational Researcher" is a forum for extended conversation among researchers about their common endeavors. Articles are models for reasoning about educational issues as well as arguments for particular conclusions. A call is issued for articles that present diverse perspectives and challenging critiques of topics of interest. (SLD)

A computer-based group decision support system (GDSS) to increase collaborative group productivity and creativity is explained. Various roles for the computer are identified, and implementation of GDSS systems at the University of Mississippi and International Business Machines are described. The GDSS is seen as fostering productivity through…

A Texas A & M University study found that using a series of short films and weekly discussions of medical ethics issues was an effective way of improving medical students' moral reasoning skills and that students with longer exposure to the course (n=37) developed better skills than those with shorter exposure (n=48). (Author/MSE)

Defines wait time as the length of time teachers wait for answers from students after asking a question. Maintains that increasing wait time can stimulate reflective thinking and student involvement. Reviews the research literature on wait time studies in science education. Finds that student responses improve and participation expands with…

A class discussion activity intended for freshman courses helps students explore some issues in the design of a personal study philosophy, including the real reasons for studying and the obstacles to studying effectively. Results of field testing the approach with a class of 22 students are reported. (MSE)

The Medical College of Georgia's third-year medicine clerkship includes a one-month ambulatory care block rotation in internal medicine, medicine, and dermatology. Students present topics and participate in case discussions in daily and weekly conferences. Program success is resulting in expansion. (MSE)

If college faculty were encouraged by leadership to share their teaching experiences and insights, good teaching could flourish. Useful conversation topics include critical moments in teaching and learning; the human condition of teachers and learners; metaphors and images of the teaching process; and autobiographical reflection on great teachers.…