Elementary education students enrolled in an experimental mathematics course participated in this study. The course is taught using a social constructivist approach and is designed to improve students' mathematical problem-solving ability and deepen their understanding of mathematics. The research question for the present study is as follows: In…

A 6-minute, videotaped segment of discourse in a medical school classroom problem-based learning session is analyzed for evidence of the kinds of meanings being constructed, their functions, and the linguistic, kinesic, and other means by which they are being made. Three interdependent discourse agendas are distinguished: construction,…

This guide is designed as a tool to help members of the education sector involve community members in discussions about their local schools and learn how to become involved in the process of improving education in their community. The first half of the guide presents basic material for conducting a four- to seven-session discussion program based…

Teaching activities useful in enriching the classroom teaching of English as a second language are compiled from the relevant literature. Many are adapted from sources concerned with the teaching of languages other than English. Separate sections present suggestions of specific group activities or games involving audiovisual materials, discussion…

Cross-cultural psychology has begun to analyze cultural differences on collectivism and the implications of these differences for social processes such as group productivity. This study examined natural social interaction during a problem-solving task that required discussion and the establishment of a consensus. The relationship of collectivist…

This paper presents a case study of the development of the Professional Analysis Team (PAT) program structured after the Quality Circle program used in industry. Modifications and innovations of the Quality Circle program are examined, and essential characteristics are outlined. The PAT program, designed to enable education professionals to use…

The benefits of using drama as a teaching technique became evident in the Work Orientation program at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center when a team of teachers presented two plays for their lower-level students. Students enjoyed the activity and were able to discuss work-related problems freely. As a result, the students' self esteem was…

The Alliance for Business Literacy Education (ABLE), a composite of several Harvard professors, the Education Development Center (EDC), and the League for Innovation in the Community College, is working to promote the nationwide use in community colleges of a teaching strategy known as the case method. The case method combines the freedom of class…

Intended for teachers across grade levels and disciplines, this monograph reviews research on the development of critical thinking skills and introduces a series of these skills that can be incorporated into classroom teaching. Beginning with a definition of critical thinking, the monograph contains two main sections. The first section reviews…

This workbook provides affective education activities in building human relations skills in elementary and secondary school students in small discussion groups. Goals of the talking-listening-communicating (TLC) groups are: to develop positive regard for individual differences; to build a sense of belonging; to foster horizontal, nonauthoritative…

Small-group, self-directed, problem-based learning can be conducted with or without a faculty tutor. Groups without a tutor are trained to manage problem solving, change, group process, critical thinking, and independent learning skills. Processing issues are very different for tutorless and tutored groups; some issues are experienced by both.…

Describes a problem to challenge students as they come back from summer vacation. Working in small groups, students discover Pick's Theorem, the formula to calculate the area of a polygon constructed on a geoboard. A writing assignment evaluates the students' efforts. (MDH)

Describes "talk-through" model of peer teaching in which student pairs are asked to verbalize their thinking processes as they work through a mathematical problem. Lists five benefits of using this method. (MDH)

Suggests that a discussion-based approach focused on experiences of actual environmental issues, encountered problematically, should characterize environmental education activities. An ecology exercise dealing with organic pollution of a river provides a context for the educational principles and ecological concepts included the study. (24…

Relates findings of an empirical study of student use of an interactive videodisc to theories of learning and to other research findings. A study of 12- and 13-year-old students in England is described that examined problem-solving strategies, learning styles, conceptual understanding, group discussion, and the teacher's role. (Contains 17…