Student performance in lecture-based versus case study-based instruction was compared in this study. Case-based teaching that emphasized problem solving and discussion significantly improved student performance on exams throughout the semester and enhanced students' abilities to correctly answer application- and analysis-type questions. (Contains…

Guided-inquiry experiments offer the same opportunities to participate in the process of science as classical organic qualitative analysis used to do. This three-week guided-inquiry project involves an aldol-dehydration synthesis of a chalcone chosen from a set of nine, followed by a catalytic transfer hydrogenation reaction using ammonium formate…

Guidelines present ways to create written material for small group, democratic, and highly participatory discussions of social and political issues. Twelve suggestions for creating effective study circle materials precedes consideration of study circle goals. The overarching goal of any study circle is to provide opportunities for people to learn…

Involving students in discussion groups tends to develop their language and cognitive abilities. (JH)

This series on stress training for teachers includes three film modules. They are meant to be shown in sequence, but with at least two hours of discussion between each. The purpose of these modules is not to communicate or entertain, but to stimulate discussion and role playing. The series attempts to encourage each teacher to find his/her own way…

The nineteen lessons in this unit, designed to foster the practice and use of the basic skills of group discussion, were prepared for use by high school juniors and seniors who have had practice in effective speaking by preparing and delivering short talks. Each lesson outlines the objectives, content, procedure, reading assignment, and materials…

A panel discussion in which students describe their own bereavement experiences is presented as an activity to sensitize class members to bereavement issues and to discuss interpersonal responses that can provide emotional support for grieving individuals. Includes information on panelist selection, conducting the panel discussion, and audience…

Guidelines for talking about art with elementary students are presented. A critical factor in developing children's art talk experiences is an organized, well rounded, and well developed plan that recognizes the differences between talk about student art and more general talk about professional art. (RM)

Describes how students might be permitted to organize classroom discussion of writing. (DD)

Suggesting that properly designed and thoughtfully implemented discussion tasks can be an effective learning tool, this Digest discusses a learning-through-discussion framework that is designed to promote creativity and generate meaningful interaction and understanding for the learner. It discusses that goals of discussion and describes four…

Author developed a plan for a classroom discussion of the self which helped students enlarge on their own self-understanding and empathy for others. (Author/RK)

Suggests how controversial topics in environmental management can be rationally discussed in a classroom setting, how maximum student participation can be attained, and how to prevent instructor domination in human ecology courses. A list of controversial topics for discussion is given. (BL)

Examines effectiveness of a teachers-as-readers discussion group in (1) suggesting how teachers can use multicultural literature to foster an ethical respect for others and (2) engaging teachers in conversations about multicultural literature that challenge prevailing patterns of school literature discussions. Suggests success of the second aim…

Discusses collaborative learning and group work. Asserts that teachers often put pressure on a group so that students cannot communicate freely. Suggests changing evaluative markers from good and bad to most outrageous, most thought provoking, and most humorous, so that students' creative energy can flow. Includes transcripts of student…

Describes seven techniques that can be used as part of classroom discussions (at elementary, secondary, and university levels in a variety of subjects) to get students actively involved in discussing their ideas with fellow students. (SR)