Threaded discussion forums are asynchronous, World Wide Web-based discussions occurring under a number of different topics called threads. By allowing students to post, read, and respond to messages independently of time or place, threaded discussion forums give students an opportunity for deeper reflection and more thoughtful replies than chat…

Finds volumes of research on questioning and none on discussion. Defines discussion and presents concepts and techniques that facilitate it in the classroom. Recommends the need for further research. (MD)

The second in a series of articles concerning the pros and cons of whether it is better to use questioning as part of the teaching device or not to question during discussion focuses on the most effective nonquestioning techniques. Alternatives to questioning are given. (JN)

Describes the use and rationale of "Silent Teaching," a teaching technique in which the teacher remains silent as students generate and evaluate hypotheses while trying to understand an as-yet undiscovered concept. (MDH)

Written by teachers for teachers, this book on language in the classroom is concerned with the various ways children are taught and the various ways they learn in response to that teaching. Chapter 1 analyzes the prewriting discussion of a group of 16 year olds to provide a model of language in use, and suggests four factors affecting the quality…

Certain thinking and language skills are common to content disciplines. Different types of thinking are triggered by factual, convergent, divergent, and judgmental questions. The four levels of oral and written response are factual, logical, creative, and judgmental. An effective school language policy balances and integrates these skills in the…

Discusses the importance of student questions as tools of instruction and as indicators of student misconceptions. Suggests different ways in which students may gain an understanding of biological concepts through discussion of popular movies and biological problems. (CW)

A five-step method of conflict analysis can help students generate accurate and complex theme statements about literature without teacher intervention. The conflict analysis involves (1) identifying the characters who are in conflict as a series of pairs and determining if the protagonist has an inner conflict; (2) determining the major conflict,…

Attempts to reveal the purpose of humanistic education as a search for personal meaning, to teach the skills of exploration so that students can sort through the wealth of information that surrounds them to discover what, of all those "facts", gives meaning, direction, and significance to their life. Also gives some guidelines for teachers.…

Presents a discussion on the significance of questioning techniques in the development of critical thinking skills. Stresses that teachers can increase a student's mental engagement by using appropriate wait time, increasing nonevaluative responses, avoiding rephrasing a question, and avoiding questions requiring a yes or no response. (RT)

Describes a preservice teacher education program of Gallaudet College where student teachers participate in the Instrumental Enrichment Program to develop their cognitive skills. Includes an illustrated model. (MD)

Describes a model which recognizes active and passive roles of teachers and learners as a means of identifying five basic methods of teaching. (CHC)

Explores possible outcomes of using the "Professional Teaching Standards" as a set of tools to construct productive conversations about teaching. Presents a discussion taking place in the author's third grade classroom illustrating discourse in the classroom, accompanied by the author's commentary on the lesson. (MDH)

Describes a teaching method that actively involves elementary school children in science lessons by having them teach lessons to their peers. Gives examples of teacher and student strategies. Describes evaluation of the students and student progress with time. Reviews depth of thinking and questioning by students in this activity. (CW)

Proposes the technique of group discussions in the learning of mathematics. Examines the teacher's role in creating an environment that encourages student participation; presents four techniques to initiate discussions in elementary school classes; and offers five attributes teachers need to develop in students for effective discussions. (MDH)