Found no single sequence of interaction phases that led to successful or unsuccessful group problem solving. Successful groups, however, tended to begin their discussions by attempting to analyze the problem before searching for solutions; unsuccessful groups immediately began searching for solutions. (PD)

Creating meaning from a literary text is a complex process involving interaction between the reader and the text. Theoretical and empirical investigations of how and why readers respond to literature are reviewed, and methodological problems involved in analyzing readers' oral responses are addressed. (PP)

Results indicated that, with regard to opinions, a minority of one was less effective than either a minority of two or a minority of one who gained a convert. Evaluations of minorities differed as a function of both size and sex of minority group members. (Subjects were 200 males and females enrolled in an introductory psychology course.)…

Excerpts from a discussion among five applied linguistics researchers with an interest in second-language acquisition (SLA) focus on three issues: important recent advances in SLA research, transmission of research findings to teachers, and maintenance of communication between the worlds of theory and practice. (MSE)

Describes a method of arranging group discussion of a novel in a high school English class that encourages each group member to participate. (AEA)

Reviews research which compares the effectiveness of programed instruction (PI) in economics to lecture-discussion techniques. Studies demonstrate that students using PI perform as well on examinations as students using the traditional method. There is also some evidence that students using PI retain their learning better. (AM)

Describes lessons that build students' critical thinking skills through improving class discussions, distinguishing between comprehension and critical reading, and involving students in writing while reading. (AEA)

A list of demonstrations of discrepant events which have been found to stimulate the curiosity of students in science at the secondary school level are presented. A brief description of the materials and procedures for 15 of these demonstrations is outlined, with short explanations of concepts and principles involved. (MP)

This article, based on the authors' work in South Yorkshire, examines some of the attitudes and dynamics within a mother's group and participants' reactions to group leaders who are child specialists. Some guidelines are presented on developing a parent education group for mothers of young children. (SJL)

Examined participation by (N=9) older adults in a literary discussion group. Results indicated that the impetus for elderly attendance was to learn. Discussed the effect of program design and location, group dynamics, and various facilitation techniques. (RC)

Investigates the effects of M. B. Rowe's science teaching and questioning techniques in elementary school language arts classrooms. Reviews definitions and applications of wait-time and assesses the effectiveness of wait-time techniques in the improvement of teachers' and students' oral discourse. (HOD)

A clinical decision-making simulation that helps students understand the relationship between psychosocial factors and medical problem-solving is described. A group of medical students and one faculty member comprise a selection committee to agree on the order in which four patients will be selected for renal dialysis. (MLW)

Presents an interview with literary critic Northrop Frye in which Frye comments on the purposes and importance of literature in education; goals, growth, and development in literary study; the literature curriculum in elementary schools; and strategies for teaching literature. (GT)

Results indicate a positive relationship between talking rate and leadership choice. People show the greatest liking for those with moderate levels of talking. (Author/BEF)

Faculty committees wrote educational objectives for all 23 courses in their undergraduate medical school curriculum. The objectives were used for evaluation of curriculum, student knowledge, and attitudes. (CP)