A qualitative study provided a detailed description of classroom behavior by observing 20 adult literacy classes in 8 states and interviewing teachers of these classes. The methodology used was grounded theory, in which data were collected from a limited sample of cases (classes) and analyzed to find commonalities, themes, and categories that…

In this practical, user-friendly, and comprehensive guide, two experienced online instructors explain the history and methodology of distance learning and cover everything an online instructor needs to know--from designing a course, to using technology, to assessing students and more. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate how to use…

This guide provides step-by-step activities for facilitators to run a discussion and planning meeting with a group of people interested in learning about and taking action related to the Adult Literacy Summit Action Agenda. It is intended for groups such as literacy coalitions, program staff, state-level staff, or other governmental and nonprofit…

Provides an overview of the discussions, activities, procedures, and issues surrounding the more than 70 listservs run by H-Net. The Internet e-mail subscription network is open and free to both scholars and the public. Includes a list of all the H-Net listservs and a representative copy of one list's operating rules. (MJP)

Examines the relationship between story-telling and children's construction of meaning. Includes transcripts of children's discussions of a story involving Vietnamese refugee children. Maintains that children, especially when given encouraging contexts, can construct and discover meaningful insights. Discusses the role of the teacher in this…

Describes strategies teacher educators and supervisors can use to help early childhood teachers learn appropriate teaching practices. Methods, techniques, and strategies discussed include modeling, observing teachers in action, discussing sample scenarios, providing direct instruction, readings, writing assignments, and supervised practice.…

A study involving 28 fourth-graders in a reform mathematics classroom, 3 with learning disabilities, investigated changes in teacher and student discourse over nine-weeks. Clear patterns of change in teacher and student discourse occurred. Nonetheless, intentional efforts to include target students in whole-class discussions yielded instructional…

University of Texas (Austin) freshman and senior English literature students and graduate humanities students tested a synchronous local area computer network's applicability for classroom discussion and collaborative exams and essays. Student responses to 50-70 research questions show advantages of computer-assisted classroom discussion (CACD)…

Analyzes one third grader's participation in mathematics class discussions, his beliefs about class discussion, and his arithmetical development throughout a school year in a problem-centered learning classroom. Concludes that a fruitful classroom discussion both necessitates and, conversely, is facilitated by the negotiation of social norms and…

Discusses the Close Up Foundation's sponsorship of social studies students' trips to Washington, D.C. Describes one school's experience of planning and financing the trip, as well as its public forums and club for students to gain experience in politics and citizenship. Reports a study of Close Up participants, their political attitude…

Considers four language arts--speaking, listening, reading, and writing--as activities that enhance the development of mathematical concepts. Suggests ways language arts can be used in learning difficult concepts as missing addends, algorithms, number facts, and problem solving. (39 references) (MDH)

Presents a two-day activity for middle school students, focusing on freedom of assembly and the difficult balance between individual rights and community needs to ensure safety. Stimulates discussion on the right to assemble using an American Bar Association poster (included in the issue). Suggests inviting a lawyer to class to further explore…

Describes a study that examined increasing peer interaction in an asynchronous learning environment by investigating the effect of a teacher's discourse style on the level and quality of student participation in a computer-mediated discussion. Three discourse styles (i.e., questions, statements, and conversational) are studied, and further…

Explores relationships between various types of research and the implications for teacher/student dialogue. Discusses H. F. Gadamar's view of tradition as text. Suggests Active Tutorial Work strategies may not be engaging student/teacher dialogue. States teachers must take a more active role in initiating dialogue. (NL)

Examines the various frames within which debates, discussions, and dialogs occurred at a major midwestern university, concerning the disbandment of one of its departments. Stresses the importance of building a unified vision in the context of the common good. Contains 34 references. (JDI)