Presents some key concerns that are frequently raised by parents in parent education groups. Discusses several themes that are relevant in laying a common ground that crosses most of these parent issues. Includes examples of parent concerns and suggestions for the group leader. (Author/PVV)

Describes how students can help evaluate each other in discussion groups and how this improves their writing. Asserts that students appreciate the scrutiny of the conferences and take their own writing much more seriously as a result. Describes this technique in the context of a high school writing workshop. (PRA)

Examines Robert Zoellner's talk-write pedagogy in the context of what composition researchers and theorists are saying, with the aim of showing the cogency of Zoellner's ideas. Examines his application of the tenets of behavioral science as the basis for his talk-write pedagogy. Discusses modeling and the question-and-answer of the pedagogy. (PRA)

Describes how a class of seventh graders learned to use diplomacy and effective interpersonal communication to let their teachers know how they feel. (PRA)

Discusses reader-response theory and forces that mitigate against a reading-centered classroom. Asserts that the issues of authority and freedom are crucial but advises against demanding too much at this stage. Focuses on current practice, and suggests beginning with the routines, the "business as usual," of the literature classroom.…

Defines four kinds of poetry readers: paraphrasers, thematizers, allegorizers, and problem solvers. Recommends an approach to reading a poem that treats the poem as an expansive space in which to romp and play, to explore and travel. Illustrates problem making and lists questions for students. Discusses how to respond by questioning. (PRA)

Examines the shared cognitive dimensions of cultural institutions like museums, libraries, and parks, suggesting they make similar situations for transmitting information. The article encourages a critical understanding of public cultural institutions to enlarge the potential for discourse about their analysis and criticism. Heuristic questions…

Describes the evolution of a course concerning the role of Spain in the Americas. Suggests that Spain has had a strong influence on the region. Explains that students participated unexpectedly well within the course's discussion seminar format. Includes an appendix setting out assigned readings and a course syllabus. (SG)

Describes two types of in-class discussion utilizing feature films in a course on law and psychology. Explains that, in the first discussion, the students critique the film for accuracy in the portrayal of legal doctrines, and, in the second, they analyze the psychological issues presented in the film. Suggests appropriate films. (DK)

Offers a summary of a focus group discussion in which a small group of writers discuss samples of their students' work. (SR)

Explores the relationship between patterns of discourse in teacher-led discussions of literature and in the small-group discussions that follow them. Finds that teachers who model interpretive procedures without teaching students how to employ them do not appear to empower students to lead themselves in fruitful discussions. (SR)

Types of questions that will stimulate student participation in French literature classes are discussed. After a summary of ineffective approaches, factors influencing development of effective questions are assessed: preparation, reformulation, and progression. Examples are included. (Contains nine references.) (LB)

Proposes an instrument for assessing the extent to which either sound arguments or power are found in scientific and political discussions. Empirical research is described that investigated the relation between the quality of evaluation research and the quality of discussion in policy-making processes in which the research is used. (Contains 47…

Transcripts of undergraduate group discussions uncovered strategies used to explore assumptions: defining, qualifying definitions, eliminating inappropriate meanings, broadening the context, testing generalizations by hypothesis and personal anecdote, challenging generalizations, challenging the original question, challenging the validity of…

Mutual improvement societies were at the forefront of adult education in New Zealand from 1870-1915. Although university extension and technical education were major contributors to adult education in Britain and Australia, they were less successful in New Zealand; thus the mutual improvement societies were predominant. (SK)