Female undergraduates with low participation levels in mixed sex discussions received training in assertiveness. Pretest and posttest observations of the subjects' behavior suggested that the training was successful, and that lack of assertiveness in the presence of men, rather than lack of substantive knowledge, inhibited women's participation in…

The potential of on-line discussions to prompt greater reflection of course material is often stymied by a tendency of students to agree with one another rather than to formulate counter-arguments. This article describes an experiment using note starters and elaborated cases to encourage counter-argumentation and examines interactions with…

Analysis of high school discussion classes revealed no "male dominance" in the rate of participation or weight of contribution. On all indices, males and females participated in proportion to their numbers in class. Differences in participation did not appear to be the result of sociocultural traits. (Author/PP)

This report provides a record of discussion during a workshop entitled "Assisting People with Developmental Disabilities To Speak Effectively for Themselves." Participants included developmentally disabled individuals, leaders from self-advocacy groups, paid staff, and volunteers. The discussion addressed three questions: (1) what works…

These workshop materials are intended to prepare professionals and community volunteers to serve as peer workshop leaders with young adults and adults with learning disabilities. The workshops are intended to: establish support groups; increase self-awareness and self-advocacy skills; improve interpersonal social skills; and provide adaptability…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 18 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: some effects of nonstandard English in counseling; the status of speech instruction in Iowa high schools; communications analyses of a university and a public…