An analysis of informal reasoning and examination of teaching practices looks at ways to improve reasoning skills in college students. Teaching students to reason more effectively is an important but difficult goal of higher education. Reasoning consists of complex skills which must be taught. Effective instruction is based on two key features:…

Verbal and nonverbal dimensions of communication are a vital part of competitive group discussion. Specific nonverbal elements that have been found useful in competitive group discussion include environment, proxemics, kinesics, objectics, and chronemics. For example, equalizing arrangements for the discussion in the best area of a room enhances…

A practical guide and checklists for planning a conference concerning strategies for the advancement of women in higher education administration are presented. The guide is based on the planning of two conferences in Kentucky. Checklists are provided for each of the following 15 planning/implementation steps: determine the size and characteristics…

A general education cluster course structure at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, is described. Philosophy, anthropology, and geography classes met separately to cover the different disciplines, and joint sessions for learning exercises were held. Cluster course objectives were: to provide undergraduates with a broad and integrative…

A rationale and suggestions for teaching 12th grade sociology using Ray Bradbury's novel "The Martian Chronicles" are presented. The conceptual material found in a high school sociology textbook is not always exciting and stimulating to read, but with a science fiction work that supplements this conceptual material, the motivation for learning can…

A list of basic study practices and strategies, with examples and alternatives that focus on both receptive and productive skills and the value in interaction, is presented. The following hints are included: (1) don't study a language by yourself and in silence, but study aloud and with another person; (2) use the target language as much as…

Once speech educators turn their attention to the "ideational" function of oral language--that portion pertaining to thinking--rather than the relational function, they will see that speech can and should be incorporated into every discipline. The psychologist Lev S. Vygotsky envisions the ways in which humans use speech to reorder their…

One of a series of secondary level teaching units presenting case studies with pro and con analysis of particular legal problems, the document presents a student's lesson plan, a teacher's lesson plan, and a lawyer's lesson plan for introducing torts (any wrong, other than a breach of contract, resulting in a personal injury or property damage…

This description of a process used in a social studies methods course presents an experiential approach to helping students learn power sharing and decision-making skills. By leaving students alone with instructions to decide cooperatively on desired class changes, type of evaluation, and leadership, students gain experience in negotiation and…

The Discussion Development Group (DDG) was established by the Scottish Education Department to facilitate research on process innovation in relation to the new curriculum. The DDG resource unit trained teachers to become associates through an inservice training program focused on the observation and analysis of discussion group processes. The…

This article describes the Boston Teacher Leadership Certificate program created to expand teachers' capacity for teacher leadership roles. The professional learning was designed to strengthen teachers' leadership skills while also paying attention to whether and under what conditions they were more successful in their roles. To monitor the…

This sourcebook is one of several supplementary materials for a 16-week newspaper course about oceans. Program ideas and sources of related resources compiled in this sourcebook are designed to help civic and group leaders and educators plan educational community programs based on the course topics. Section one describes ways in which the…

Designed for use with "Tribal Sovereignty: Indian Tribes in U.S. History" (ED 195 369), the teacher's guide includes 6 learning objectives, 33 questions for discussion and writing, and 6 ideas for research projects. Discussion questions cover four topics: (1) Indian governments; (2) policy development to 1871; (3) strategy of…

Home-school visits, as one part of a program of home-school-community relations, have three primary benefits: they familiarize parents and other members of the community with the school's program, they aid school staff members in understanding the socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds of their students, and they identify potential community…

A study-action guide and a companion guide are intended to help citizens explore some of the challenging dilemmas of U.S. nuclear policy. The two guides place strong emphasis on group discussion and participation as well as action citizens might want to take to bring about a non-nuclear world. The companion guide is intended for congregations and…