Using a brief experiential group activity called "Choosing a Color Exercise" as an introductory measure, this paper explains the basics of group dynamics and reviews the major theoretical relationships between the group's structure, the dynamics of maintenance and task behaviors, and effective individual performances. The types of functional and…

Six population education activities presented in both English and Spanish are part of this activity pack. The first, "Population Riddles," helps students to understand just how much one billion is. The second, "Everything Is Connected," helps students to identify ways that factors in human society and the natural environment are interdependent.…

This paper is intended to assist people who work with persons having mental retardation to better understand what life is like for these individuals. The recommended training program is based on a case study approach, with guided experiences in small study groups led by trained leaders. Principles of training for group leaders are identified,…

This booklet is a collection of stories by people who have facilitated Personal Futures Planning groups. The groups provide an individualized, structured approach to life planning for people with developmental or other disabilities and have been implemented since 1988 in Minnesota. Introductory material describes the process, which starts when a…

This program guide encourages discussion on what role the United States should pursue in the Middle East. The guide is designed to assist in the discussion of critical social and political issues through a balanced, nonpartisan presentation of a spectrum of views. The core of the program considers four underlying goals: (1) the United States as…

This module is designed to enhance employees' problem-solving abilities by improving their communication skills. The module, which is designed to be presented by a single facilitator in six weekly sessions, focuses on three areas of communication: listening, discussing, and acting. Covered in the module sessions are the role of communication and…

This book is designed to help library and information specialists and students tackle communication challenges ranging from public speaking to listserv posting. All types of communication are covered--conducting interviews; delivering speeches; leading group discussions, workshops, and conferences; designing newsletters, handouts, and brochures;…

A professor finds the use of stories and storytelling, whether first-hand stories or second-hand stories, whether oral stories or stories provided through media or mediated channels, to be invaluable instructional tools in his communication classes. They personalize his classes, encourage a sense of camaraderie among class members, help illustrate…

A discussion of the use of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) in the second language classroom focuses on whether the kinds of CMC available provide appropriate forms of interpersonal interaction to enhance learning. A review of recent research looks at what is known about the ideal conditions for learning a second language, the role of the…

These guides, designed to accompany the daily Cable News Network (CNN) Newsroom broadcasts for December 1-18, 1998, provide program rundowns, suggestions for class activities and discussion, links to relevant World Wide Web sites, and a list of related news terms. Top stories include: World AIDS Day/AIDS history, Exxon and Mobile announce a…

"Text Sets" is a curricular strategy that highlights intertextuality, the process of searching for connections among reading texts and personal experiences. The strategy consists of gathering groups of related books and engaging small groups of students in a discussion of how the books interrelate. Three teachers assembled Text Sets for…

Guided story invention is a strategy for whole language instruction. The strategy stimulates construction of story and storylike passages, and incorporates: (1) student knowledge of story structure; (2) the reading and writing of meaningful text; (3) a focus on meaning as a function of teacher coaching; and (4) encouragement of self-monitoring of…

This case study investigated whether student talk and classroom discussion might help students find a voice in the academic community and pave the way for other forms of research and analysis that the academy expects of them. Participants were Bergen Community College (New Jersey) students (N=110) enrolled in a non-credit remedial English class.…

Internationally, educators are calling for teachers to help students learn to respect and value social and cultural difference. Literature teachers can also contribute to such a revolution in consciousness through literature study. It is crucial to education in a multicultural society that students are taught ways of reading and talking about…

A study examined classroom discourse in three literature class discussions among 15 high school juniors and their teacher as they tried to make sense of "Hamlet" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead." Participants' moves (what the students and teacher were trying to do with their language during the discussion);…