Four procedural steps to facilitate a cooperative discussion on social issues are provided. The steps include problem description, policy proposal, prediction of consequences, and evaluation of policies. (DE)

Describes findings that indicate the use of trained undergraduates as discussion leaders in small groups may be preferable to professors lecturing to large groups. (Editor/PG)

Instructional discussion is a classroom teaching method by which students move through material to a predetermined, new understanding by building on each other's contributions and by utilizing the more experienced learner's (the teacher's) past experiences with the material. This article describes both the characteristics and the planning of…

The term "risky shift" is used to describe the tendency of groups to make a collective decision that is less conservative than the members might make as individuals. Previous research on this subject has been based on three analytical categories: demographic makeup of groups, group familiarity with the task and information, or individual…

Methods and results of resident participation in this aspect of a postgraduate pediatric curriculum at the Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Bronx, New York, are described. Peer discussion and group problem-solving and exploration are used and evaluations suggest a positive impact on learning and patient care. (LBH)

An educational experiment in teaching organizational behavior to undergraduates in England is reported, with focus on the value and limitations of a systematic form of discussion-group learning based upon a framework outlined by Fawcett Hill. (LBH)

Presents data related to student involvement in biweekly student-led discussion groups in an undergraduate abnormal psychology course. Evaluates the degree to which students felt they benefited from discussion groups composed of similar and dissimilar students. (Author/AV)

The superintendent of the Marlington Local School District (Ohio) outlines a program they have developed that encourages communication among staff, teachers, and administrators. The superintendent leads discussion groups that offer a chance to exchange views and air concerns that result in better communication patterns. (MD)

Five steps helpful to teachers in implementing a seminar (used as a teaching method with vocational students) are identified and discussed: (1) Topic selection, (2) identification of subtopics, (3) student research of subtopics, (4) reporting of information, and (5) concluding and evaluating. (TA)

This paper describes the background to the problem and methodology of a study that explored a reflective new media pedagogy through the design and production of a Web-based learning environment. This environment addresses and invites cancer patients and their supporters to question established social and cultural discourses that shape the…

This paper reports on a two-year exploratory study to determine the viability of voice-based threaded discussions forums as a means of stimulating discussion and understanding of weekly readings as part of a large undergraduate communications course. From March to June 2001, 600 students participating in a large introduction to communication…

Not only did the group sessions enable the counselor to become acquainted with more students, but it provided the opportunity for students to express themselves openly and to become less hesitant about seeking individual help from counselor and teachers. (CJ)

Usual student seminar classes involve students presenting papers to the class. Alternatives to this approach are offered that maximize student audience involvement. The suggestions incorporate variations of sub-grouping, idea generation, discussion of important statements, and the refining, clarification, and evaluation of key statements. (JMD)