An investigation of the verbal "following behaviors" of 245 third-grade children indicated that selected role-taking groups of children chose, or were chosen by the teacher, to talk following the verbal contributions of certain role groups of children while avoiding talk following the contributions of other role groups. (Author/DS)

University students participated in five weeks of education/discussion based on rational emotive theory. The results indicated increased rational thinking, decreased anxiety, and fewer reported problems. (Author)

Examines how conceptions of what it means to read and discuss literature shaped peer-led discussions in the classroom. Explores the relationship between social and interpretive expectations in the classroom and the positions students took during literature discussions. Shows that students worked to create solidarity. Complicates the role that…

Presents a description and qualitative case study of three high school classrooms, in two of which the teachers actively elicited student dialog and thereby improved writing. Draws on M. Bakhtin, R. Rommetveit and Y. M. Lotman to suggest that a combination of writing and dialogue (spoken interaction) lead to more chances to learn than either…

Teacher dialogs are a powerful staff development tool, involving a few teachers who meet during school hours on a regular basis to discuss instructional issues using a constructivist approach. The article examines ways to schedule time to maximize teacher learning and presents a model of staff development based on constructivist thinking. (SM)

A majority of 123 British elementary students surveyed rated TV/video as the most enjoyable learning mode, but only 54% felt they learned a lot; half enjoyed whole-class teaching, 63% learned a lot this way. Whole-class and small-group discussion received the lowest ratings for enjoyment and learning potential, suggesting students are not aware of…

Describes a method using small group and whole class discussions with guiding questions to enable teachers to construct successfully the concept of assumptions and develop a better appreciation of the nature and limitations of the process of scientific inquiry. (Author/SAH)

One effective instructional technique for promoting cultural awareness and understanding among elementary school students is literature discussion. Literature discussions help children explore multicultural ideas and issues, reading works of culturally relevant literature, then coming together to discuss their personal responses. Explains how to…

Describes an approach to training higher education students to work and communicate more effectively in groups developed at Manchester Metropolitan University. (EV)

Outlines an exercise the author has successfully used in literature classes to promote discussion. Describes how students engage in a pen-and-paper exchange of short, thoughtful responses to a particular topic. Notes how this exercise allows (and requires) every student to "speak" at the same time through writing, and that in ensuing class…

This paper describes a proportional reasoning problem set within a real-life context and a complete analysis of one small group discussion of this problem over the course of a 90-minute block. The seventh-grade students' discourse is described to provide insights into typical mathematical interpretations of this problem, as well as some…

Although students read about relational turning point analysis in some interpersonal communication textbooks, they regard it as an abstract concept until required to apply it to their own lives. Through group discussion, as other group members supply important events that an individual student might not consider, students are able to carefully…

A quality circle is a problem-solving method with emphasis on analytic thought, a task-structured group process, school and community issues, implementation of an action plan, and evaluation of results. Circles develop not only the gifted students' analytic thinking skills but also their responsibility and leadership skills. (Author/CL)

This February 2002 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) Skills and Learning Discussion Paper Released: What you need to know!; (2) Knowledge Matters: A Section-by-Section Review; (3) The Government Plan - What's Next?; and (4) MCL's Action Plan--What's Next? (Contains 11 footnotes.)

The author presents guidelines for discussing books with students, but notes that the most important part of sharing books is reading aloud. (2 references) (SJ)