Sees introduction of specific structures and exercises in psychotherapy group as directly controlling course of events and affecting members' perceptions of the group and leader. Asserts that exercises must highlight, rather than bypass, existing group processes. Presents five-step model for preparing, working with, processing, generalizing, and…

Provides a rationale for using fiction and drama to promote critical thinking. Presents a sample grid used to record answers to and interpretations of six questions which can be used in class discussion to bring out critical thinking dispositions, such as the ability to determine whether a generalization is warranted. (RS)

The article presents a metacognitive intervention for teaching mainstreamed learning-disabled students four learning strategies for thinking before, during, and after class discussions. Instructional and assessment procedures used for teaching the strategies are described. (Author/DB)

Investigates the effect of having students discuss the application of learning on their subsequent test performance. Results show that the principles treatment group scored higher on factual questions but not on application questions. Points out this process may be a useful tool in retaining factual material. (KO)

Describes a technique to improve the benefits of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). Provides sample questions which encourage students to monitor and gain insight into their own reading and responses to what they have read. (MM)

Outlines the procedure for "Comprehension Court," a discussion model for building inferential skills and strategies at the elementary level. Provides a sample "Comprehension Court Evidence Sheet." (MM)

Argues that "talk around the edges," informal exchanges between children in the classroom, are important moments for the enhancement of language facility, at least as important as formal language lessons. Provides approaches to incorporating "talk around the edges" or talk much like "talk around the edges" into lessons. (TB)

Classroom discourse can nurture students' appreciation of mathematics as a community activity by involving students in defining the curriculum, engaging in authentic mathematical inquiry, and using the history of mathematics to understand how mathematical thought develops in society. (MKR)

Discusses the results of a survey designed to explore the reactions of junior high school students to Channel One. A survey was administered to two Midwest suburban junior high schools. The results showed that 66% of those surveyed learned something from the broadcasts. (Contains 13 references.) (JLB)

A technique for provoking thought and discussion about a new subject in the college classroom involves having each student write facts they know about the subject on an index card, then reading cards at random to begin discussion. Content of the cards reveals significant concepts, concerns, and misinformation helpful in approaching the topic. (MSE)

Reports on a small-scale study of 13 dyads working at number tasks that found "sidework," a modified form of associative interaction, gave rise to more high order talk and to more posttest learning than did collaboration. Suggests sidework may have greater potential to enhance students' learning than the collaborative mode. (TJQ)

Through focus groups and a telephone survey, a New York school district found out what more than 500 members of the community thought of the district and how they expected it to improve. (MLF)

Examines problem-based small-group discussions and describes a study conducted in The Netherlands that investigated the thoughts of students, both content-related and non-task related, through a thought sampling method. Highlights include categories of students' thoughts; validity measures; and results of student questionnaires. (LRW)

Describes teaching characterization to seventh-graders by using archetypes from genuine fairy tales (not the watered-down Disney versions). Presents sample discussion questions used to aid students in analyzing characterization. Discusses writing assignments associated with the reading and discussion of fairy tales. (RS)

Presents an example of a second-grade classroom mathematics lesson showing the class engaged in verbal reflections. (MKR)