Junior Great Books Curriculum model uses interpretive discussion within the reading process to help students of all reading abilities understand literature, or construct inferential and thematic meaning from their reading. Program was piloted in third-grade classes in 13 Chicago schools between 1989 and 1991. The model's cornerstone is the…

Argues that middle- and high-school students benefit from class discussions of personal and societal values and the role they play in decision making. Presents two stories of real-life difficult choices and their consequences. Presents brief descriptions of five current controversial issues (with suggested questions) for classroom discussion to…

Outlines techniques that teachers can use to help students develop base-10 numeration and other mathematics skills, using calculator explorations, problems that require strategies to solve, and group discussion activities. Examples of activities and problems for both primary and upper elementary grades are provided. (MDM)

Describes two electronic conferences (e-conferences) available on the Internet: e-mail-based discussion groups and Usenet news groups. Presents tips to help users of e-conferences increase the benefits of knowledge-sharing via these conferences. Sidebars present the largest library-related e-conferences, e-conferences gatewayed to Usenet, and an…

Describes Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), a form of computer-mediated communication, which can be used to enhance discussions in college and high school classrooms. An example of a GDSS in a high school is included, and results of a questionnaire regarding student preferences are appended. (Author/LRW)

Uses the children's book, "The Rajah's Rice: A Mathematical Folktale from India," as the basis for grade-four activities involving doubling and powers of two. (MKR)

Reflects on a teacher's first year back in the elementary classroom after having spent 12 years in university teaching. Notes that the teacher defines her role as a facilitator of student learning. Discusses struggling with reading aloud, partner reading, literature discussion groups, and talk about content area inquiries. Appends a transcript and…

The fifth interagency conference explored ways that changes in technology, coupled with efforts to reinvent government, are redefining the policy and implementation issues of providing public access to federal information. Five groups were established to address issues and to develop recommendations; each group was divided into two sessions. Ten…

Patterns of topic discussion and elaboration related to gender and ethnicity were studied with 66 mothers and their 4-year-old children (Hispanic and Anglo American). Implications of the different patterns of topic selection and discussion for children's subsequent school-related activities and performance are discussed. (SLD)

States that news-lab editorial conferences are rich contexts for students to practice the construction and revision of stories for publication. Points out that a hierarchical mode of collaborative writing is predominant in the workplace. Suggests a theoretical framework for teaching and learning in lab classrooms. (PA)

Investigates how teachers would use "Amos and Boris," a picture book of recognized literary merit, with children. Asks 19 teachers what they would want children to take away from the book, what questions they would use to stimulate discussion, and how they would help children revisit the book. (SR)

Describes three approaches teachers can use to help students understand multiplication and division: calculator explorations, problem solving, and discussion topics. Specific examples are provided for primary and upper grades. (MDM)

Analyzes how a new computer technology, Group Decision Support System (GDSS), affected how group decisions developed over time. Contrasts decision paths in groups using the GDSS with groups using GDSS procedural structures manually and with groups using no procedural structures. Finds that decision paths varied and were related to consensus…

In physical education and athletics, teachers use video to help with instruction and demonstration. Interpersonal Process Recall lets students direct videotape viewing of their physical education activities so they can better comprehend their motor skill performance. Interactive discussions about the tapes help students evaluate their learning and…

Addresses the teaching of world problems to elementary students. Suggests that children already are aware of world problems and the effects on their own lives. Discusses the use of group discussions, role play, and thematic resource folders to help children develop problem-solving skills for dealing with global issues and problems in their own…