Investigates children's peer group discussions of a storybook, an information book, and an informational storybook. Finds older students collaborating more, drawing more on peer information, participating in longer discussions, and making more confirming and challenging responses than younger children. Finds that children stayed on topic longer…

Discussion groups with dependent college women (n=177) showed the following: participant level of self-concept affected treatment change overall, and groups formatted to provide didactic and applied experiences showed more positive change. Results suggest discussion group is most productive if format combines cognitive guidelines, participant…

Examines group oral response to literature as a method of large-scale assessment with eighth graders. Finds that (1) the method is manageable for wide-scale testing; (2) the process simulates classroom conditions and activities closely; (3) the process allows for teacher input and participation; and (4) students find the activity enjoyable. (PRA)

The importance of incorporating discussion into college lecture classes is discussed, problems in starting and expanding exchange of ideas are examined, and techniques for "raising the intellectual temperature" of a class are offered. Anecdotal examples are drawn from observations of teachers in a variety of discipline contexts. (MSE)

Offers a narrative based on a real event, in the form of a "docustory," describing that moment when teaching worked--when, in an instructional setting, communication was "perfect,""best," or "excellent." Describes a role play activity that demonstrates to students how to draw upon each other's store of information, reasoning ability, and common…

Two groups of nonnative Spanish students and four nonnative English teachers participated in a study of the effect of high cognitive questions on foreign language learning. Results indicate that the use of high cognitive questions can promote the kind of verbal interaction that facilitates comprehension and written production of the foreign…

According to a former junior high school teacher, eighth graders--inquisitive and opinionated--are not too young to grasp the impact of the Holocaust. This teacher went beyond "The Diary of Anne Frank" to push deeply into topics of genocide, racism, prejudice, and persecution. Students approached this discussion by considering examples…

Describes the organization, planning, and evaluation design of a workshop involving peer-led thematic discussion groups on books for young adults, a notable author as a speaker, and a panel on promoting young adult books. A list of the theme groups and titles used is provided. (EAM)

Examines economic and cultural conflicts between urban African Americans and Korean Americans and the roots of these conflicts in victimization of both groups by Eurocentric racism. Proposes a cultural model of mixed-group dialog based on cultural awareness and sensitivity, respect for each others' stake in society, and commitments to continuous…

Described are how invitations to inquiry have been used in presentations to effectively demonstrate and explain the notion of inquiry and its role in science teaching and how they can be used in teacher education. An initial segment of an invitation to inquiry script and a list of topics that have been used as invitations to inquiry are included.…

Asserts that students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of what they have read when they have systematic opportunities to integrate reading with drama, oral language, and art. Discusses how to use drama, Reader's Theater, oral interactions, and the visual arts to improve reading comprehension. (PRA)

Asserts that students have difficulty presenting convincing arguments because they have little experience with well-reasoned argumentation. Outlines the parts of an argument and how to practice oral and written argumentation. States that students need specific criteria with which to analyze/evaluate writing and a gradual move from teacher-led work…

South Carolina's Teacher Cadet Program, an "experiencing education" class offered to proficient high school students, is helping attract top students to teaching and is renewing teachers without exhausting them. The course enables students and teachers to engage in profound discussions about growing up and stimulates critical analysis of…

Determines whether reading comprehension scores of intermediate-grade language-deficient students improved with use of literature-based integrated language (whole language) instruction. Finds a significant gain after 25 weeks of instruction. Suggests that the effectiveness of whole language instruction may be significantly enhanced with the use of…

A Florida survey shows middle school students' favorite advisement activities to be parties, holiday and special day celebrations, discussion, service projects, games, group activities, and freedom to choose activities. Teachers' favorites are student of the day/week, academic advisories, organization and goal-setting days, career exploration,…