This study investigated the dynamics of complex interactions within inquiry-based (IB) discussions by visualizing patterns using social network analysis. Researchers explored network measures when learners participated in inquiry-based discussions with Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) and non-PIM questions while playing the weekly moderator's role.…

A procedure is outlined by which all students, not just one spokesman, report back to the class on small group projects, thus increasing participation in class discussions. (SJL)

Establishing a communication-rich classroom can be difficult. This article describes the process and findings of a practitioner action research study addressing the question of how teachers can interact with their students while they are working in groups to encourage and enhance student-to-student communication. Recommended research-based teacher…

Describes discussion group activities which foster student interaction. (DD)

An exercise designed to provide students with an opportunity to take responsibility for learning an assigned reading and to share ideas with their colleagues is described. The exercise also provides a safe atmosphere in which to practice communication skills, critical thinking, and decision making. (MLW)

A description of a teaching method which encourages student participation through small discussion groups is offered along with a sample group discussion guide and worksheet. The student group analysis technique is presented as a structured, competency-based method in which small groups of students cooperatively arrive at answers to a worksheet.…

Constructive controversy has many benefits in the classroom. The benefits of constructive controversy, however, depend on the way the teacher structures the controversy, the skill level of the students, and the materials and resources available. The controversy model involves eight steps: (1) introducing the controversy; (2) assigning groups and…

This guide addresses issues around organizing learning services for students in ways that make sense for them, and what the research says about it. The focus is on the structure and organization of instruction and how practitioners can broaden the range of options that students have so that classes aren't the only option. This guide provides all…

The relationship of college unions and student personnel services to religious groups on campus is examined in this two part article. In part one, attention is focused on the purposes of the college union, important concepts in the nation's religious history, and actions of the courts. It is noted that legal actions and court cases have focused on…

This paper focuses on the answering and asking of questions in college-level courses and makes suggestions regarding questioning techniques for lecture classes and discussion groups. "Question" (Q) is defined as "any eliciting of an answer (response) regardless of grammatical form. "Answer" (A) is defined as "any…

Effective group discussion needs to involve as many students in the classroom as possible. This article describes split information tasks, their design, and their usefulness in the classroom, with particular reference to mathematics vocabulary. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

The article presents a metacognitive intervention for teaching mainstreamed learning-disabled students four learning strategies for thinking before, during, and after class discussions. Instructional and assessment procedures used for teaching the strategies are described. (Author/DB)

This collection of papers delves into reflection as a concept and provides specific, replicable tools for professional practice. Each chapter draws on a particular school situation, demonstrating the value of teacher reflection and describing the nuts and bolts of the process, offering protocols for handling many different circumstances. After…

Suggests five activities for the college classroom to stimulate discussion when students report results of small- group discussions to the class as a whole. The activities "newsprint dialogue," rotating small-group stations, "snowballing,""cocktail party," and "jigsaw" stress maximum student participation, interaction, and intellectual engagement.…

Describes the use of value analysis exercises to promote small group and class discussion. (MM)