An international project for improvement of an Indonesian university's chemical engineering curriculum and later extended to other institutions and departments, included these changes: greater emphasis on discussion and problem-solving techniques, use of learning modules, introduction of criterion-referenced grading, and extended and improved…

Examines the idea of organizational communication competence and describes how behavioral, cognitive, and performance objectives can be developed for a simulation course. Explains how the course works using small groups, organizational problems, and problem-solving discussions. Includes a sample syllabus with evaluation forms, a discussion of…

Studied the effects of computer-oriented undergraduate research on student's cognitive and affective development. Findings indicate students in research or conventional discussion groups didn't differ on cognitive development; mandatory activities have a negative impact on attitudes; voluntary participation had a positive effect only on…

The Michael's Group Remediation System was utilized in teaching a course dealing with the optics of the eye. The system features instructor pacing, written study objectives and content materials, weekly quizzes, and remediation. This mode of presentation was judged by instructor and students as being extremely successful. (Author/JMD)

A series of highly structured, criterion-referenced, small-group discussion tutorials were designed to be used with a large introductory lecture course, Biology of Mankind, that is taught at the University of New South Wales. The design of these tutorials and their role in achieving course objectives are discussed. (JMD)

Describes the American lyceum movement in the nineteenth century, which embodied many principles now included in adult learning theory. The lyceum was a sort of adult learning center, mostly at the village level, which used the lecture-teaching-learning approach with community study circles to share experience and knowledge. (MF)

Because of the complexity of large-scale projects, teams of experts have become the new designers of the built environment, with clients, decision makers, and buildings' users demanding inclusion in these teams. The Grand Frame Game is described as a technique for including people in decision making. (MLW)

A study compared the effect of two different lecture pause procedures (pauses used for reflection and notetaking; pauses used for discussion) on the recall and note completeness of 27 college students with learning disabilities. Results show independent reflection meant fewer ideas partially recorded in notes, but otherwise no significant…

Presents excerpts from a discussion in an English-as-a-Second-Language classroom to illustrate the role of group discussion in assessing reading comprehension and shaping realizations through a type of scaffolded instruction. Discusses the "stepping stones" technique with a classroom transcript illustrating its use. (nine references) (Author/CK)

Uses oral-language skills assessment to illustrate sound classroom assessment practices, stressing interrelationships among teaching, learning, and assessment and viewing assessment as a continual, ongoing reference in a dynamic process, not an end in itself. Describes supportive classroom environments, explains oral language profiles, and…

Compares the interactions in two listservs, one dealing with a chronic illness (diabetes), the other with a more acute disease (colon cancer). Analysis of 1000 messages from each list categorized messages by problem orientation and into socioemotional areas having positive and negative reactions and into task areas for asking questions and…

Discusses ways to improve the learning experience in English-as-a-Second-Language classes. These include interacting with others, discussions of interesting subjects, playing games with a pronunciation focus, communicating over the computer with native speakers and establishing analytical and comprehensible grading criteria. (Three references) (CK)

Notes that students often distrust the discussion method of instruction. Outlines three strategies along with examples designed to empower, engage, and instruct students utilizing the discussion method including the dramatic moment; validation of student expression; and integration of reading, writing, and talking. (MJP)

Argues that focusing on perceptual learning styles builds a self-awareness that serves students well because, the more they know about their learning styles, the easier it is to apply that knowledge to learning. The article points out that this process builds classroom community and provides students with opportunities to practice their writing…

Discusses the need for communication and collaboration between special education and general education teachers, beginning with teacher preparation programs. Describes the use of threaded online discussion during field placements prior to student teaching; discussion prompts; and online journaling. (LRW)