Advocates the seminar/discussion method of teaching to facilitate comprehension/interpretation of scientific facts, with the understanding that acquiring facts is a prerequisite. Points out the increased burden on teacher time resulting from increased teacher-student contact and reiterates the motto "Theory guides, experiment decides," as the…

Discusses methods for using the Relationship World Index--Version 2, (RW1-2), as a classroom discussion exercise and as a means of understanding communication processes in dating or marital relationships. (RW1-2 is a q-sort procedure for measuring the extent to which a couple has constructed a shared view of the world.) (PD)

Findings suggest, among others, that argumentativeness is an important variable in the perception of leadership, with the highly argumentative individual chosen leader over the moderate or mildly argumentative individual. Highly argumentative individuals were also rated as more influential on the group's decision. (PD)

Focuses on personality as a predispositional factor which is predictive of the direction of both persuasive argumentation by group members and, subsequently, decision shifting. Tends to validate the value theory of polarization by showing that persuasive argumentation can mediate the effect of personality on decisional shifting. (PD)

Describes a method of peer group teaching that stresses group responsibility and awareness of goals. (JL)

Found that of five "task-achievement functions" examined, two serve as accurate predictors of group problem-solving effectiveness. Specifically, found that (1) a negative relationship exists between group effectiveness and attempts to "establish operating procedures"; and (2) a positive relationship exists between group…

Describes a scheme to introduce assignments and encourage use of library resources related to A-level syllabi; study habits in science; modes of recording experimental work in elementary science classes; rationale for doing practical work in 11-13 science; and a strategem to enhance quantity and quality in pupils' discussion in science. (JN)

The relationship of research in cognitive-developmental psychology to moral discussion is examined, particularly the controversial "+1" convention which asserts that successful moral discussion requires a group leader who presents moral reasoning one stage above that of the participants. Recommendations for classroom moral discussions…

A second-year clinical course composed of weekly observation sessions of interactions between patients and health care professionals in a variety of health care settings within a hospital is described. Weekly discussion sessions summarize the observations and introduce such topics as communication skills, patients' rights, patient relationships,…

Presented are some suggestions and information designed to increase the biology teacher's awareness of the potential for participation in discussion by each individual pupil in his/her class. (PB)

The path coefficients in an explanatory model of teaching and learning were corrected for error of measurement using generalizability theory. The disattenuation procedure effectively clarified and increased the interpretability of results. (Author/CTM)

Describes a model which recognizes active and passive roles of teachers and learners as a means of identifying five basic methods of teaching. (CHC)

Identifies the dominant metaphor in five orientations to research in small group communication. Argues that these orientations provide little pedagogical assistance in small group instruction. Proposes an alternative humanistic perspective for group instruction as a persuasive, individualized process in which ultimate control over learning resides…

This article describes a 20-hour, eight-week course for experienced foster parents. Goals include understanding the causes of child abuse, understanding the consequences of child abuse, and understanding the interaction patterns which provoke child abuse. (Author/DB)

Activities are suggested which might be carried out by teachers as a form of in-service training on topics related to the skills of general management of discussion in the mathematics classroom. (MP)