Research has established that intrinsic motivation has a positive effect on learning and academic achievement. In order to investigate the phenomenon of intrinsic motivation in technology-supported learning environments, this paper investigates the factors deemed to support individual student intrinsic motivation in online discussions. A research…

The first guide shows individuals how to organize a series of small-group discussions in order to help participants consider ways to prevent crime and violence in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Based on the concept of a study circle--small-group, democratic, and highly participatory--these groups bring people together to discuss…

Small group discussions can implement learning in courses comprised of very large numbers of students. Six significant components of a learning group are listed along with training suggestions for implementing a format for a free discussion type of group. (DS)

The term "risky shift" is used to describe the tendency of groups to make a collective decision that is less conservative than the members might make as individuals. Previous research on this subject has been based on three analytical categories: demographic makeup of groups, group familiarity with the task and information, or individual…

"Group groping," a classroom activity in which discussion units of five to seven students search into a text (play, essay, poem or short story) to illuminate a problem posed by the teacher, is a way of making discussions both teacher-directed and student-centered. After a class has read a work, the teacher provides background information to…

Methods and results of resident participation in this aspect of a postgraduate pediatric curriculum at the Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, Bronx, New York, are described. Peer discussion and group problem-solving and exploration are used and evaluations suggest a positive impact on learning and patient care. (LBH)

Not only did the group sessions enable the counselor to become acquainted with more students, but it provided the opportunity for students to express themselves openly and to become less hesitant about seeking individual help from counselor and teachers. (CJ)

University students participated in five weeks of education/discussion based on rational emotive theory. The results indicated increased rational thinking, decreased anxiety, and fewer reported problems. (Author)

Teacher dialogs are a powerful staff development tool, involving a few teachers who meet during school hours on a regular basis to discuss instructional issues using a constructivist approach. The article examines ways to schedule time to maximize teacher learning and presents a model of staff development based on constructivist thinking. (SM)

A study examined the listening needs experienced by people who engage regularly in small group communication situations. Subjects were 137 students, including graduate communication students, senior level students in organizational communication classes, undergraduate communication students in an adult re-entry program, and undergraduate students…

An experiment in behavior technology is described in which the results indicate that token technology can be an effective technique to increase small group participation when a variety of back-up reinforcers is offered. (Author/HB)

Article discussed problems in education presented in the form of a play with a moderator, superintendent, and a teacher as the cast of characters. (RK)

Creating poetry with your students is fun for everyone - class excitement is high and rewards are many. (Editor)

The handbook, an outgrowth of a project involving 8-13 year-old siblings of handicapped children and their parents, describes ways to implement sibling programs. Problems facing siblings are reviewed, including overidentification, resentment, and embarassment. Guidelines for conducting "sibshops" are offered with information on five goals, such as…

This document contains a leader's guide for Recording the Hard Times, a program designed to help young people between the ages of 11 and 15 handle the stress in their lives or the stress of their friends. It notes that the workbook is designed to be used in a group setting while the specific recording sessions are designed to be completed…