Twelve methods to enhance the learning of college students and at the same time increase their oral communication skills and classroom participation are presented. They include: facilitators of class discussions, triadic critiques of students' essays, panel discussions, forum periods, debates, and manuscript reading. (JMD)

In an attempt to clarify her own views and values and in trying to help kids clarify theirs, a teacher began to think of her classroom as one of many cultures her students were experiencing. To this culture they brought a variety of backgrounds and through debate, they learn about their own values. (Author/RK)

Reflects on the differing viewpoints of previous articles addressing the preparation of special education teachers. Diversity of opinions and lack of satisfaction with the status quo are seen as positive forces for the special education field and for the proactive membership of the Council for Exceptional Children. (CR)

Thirty-one undergraduates and two tutors engaged in argumentative e-mail discussions related to texts on the sociology of education. Findings suggested that e-mail encouraged and stimulated students to engage in debates and that e-mail is an appropriate context for practicing argumentation. (SLD)

Responds to the argument that college standards must be made tougher to, in turn, force high schools to improve. Argues that tougher standards would result in the elimination of developmental education and discusses the value of developmental programs. Includes excerpts from papers written by the author's students refuting the argument. (AJL)

Reports on the rationales used by viewers in determining winners and conclusions about televised political campaign debates. Studies responses of 370 viewers of the 1992 presidential and vice presidential debates. Analyzes data and determines trends suggested by the results. (HB)

Considers the linguistic choices of candidates in the 1992 presidential election debates as intending to display presidential character and as suggestive of an ability to satisfy voters' needs. Analyzes the three candidates' dimensions of perceived character and ability to address needs. (HB)

Discusses different points of view about the impact of media on learning, motivation, and efficiency gains from instruction. The author's arguments about research and theory of media effects are summarized; reactions to the claim that media do not influence learning are characterized; and responses are given to Robert Kozma's specific criticisms…

Distinguishes the cognitive, affective, and emotive effects produced by the 1992 presidential campaign, especially its presidential debates. Describes the kinds of cognitive effects engendered by the campaign activities and performances of the three major candidates. (HB)

Addresses information versus library science and examines what the dispute over graduate education means for librarianship. Describes three arguments for maintaining a balance between library science and information science and the land-grant university ethic. A sidebar contains an interview with Ken Haycock focusing on what to expect from the…

Discusses an integrated unit linking social studies, science, and language arts. Students get first-hand experience of legislative processes by writing and debating environmental-protection laws. (CCM)

Reviews the debate over argumentation within the feminist community, pointing out the types of theoretical problems presented to teachers. Argues that problems can be turned into learning opportunities, enabling students to become active participants in academic debates while encouraging them to have greater ethical self-awareness in their…

Examines whether students engage in biased assimilation during in-class debates. Finds that biased assimilation only occurs when the student is arguing for her or his existing position on an issue. Concludes that, in order to eliminate biased assimilation, teachers should encourage students to debate the opposite position of their preconceived…

Research on epistemological beliefs has clearly increased in the last decade. Even though the construct is clearer and relevant data are being collected, there are important theoretical and methodological issues that need further clarification. One of them is the debate about the domain generality-specificity of epistemological beliefs. I argue…

In this article, I offer a clarification of the ambiguities surrounding the pivotal concepts that have shaped and will continue to shape environmental education movement in the United States and beyond: nature, conservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice. I point out that dualistic frameworks not only polarize environmental…