Students in an undergraduate course in abnormal psychology annually employ a cooperative active learning model to conduct a 4- to 6-day, values-oriented public policy forum (PPF) within the class itself on a general topic of concern to the field of mental health. A comprehensive and structured five-phase model for a PPF is detailed for course sections with 25 to 60 students. The model includes the following: initial preparation by instructor, orientation of students, research by student-based "study groups," forum learning and discussion in "work groups," and a final reflection paper. Strengths and weaknesses regarding this methodology are described on the basis of student (N=45) evaluations and 4 years of experience with this model's use across such diverse topics as homelessness, collegiate drinking and substance abuse, universal access to mental health care, and television and mental health. The ratings data and anecdotal evidence suggest that students regard this methodology as capable of connecting their academic efforts to a wider world and of challenging them to weigh and judge ethical and moral concerns more concretely. Contains 20 references. (Author/LSR)