Proposes the use of the oral activity "pyramid discussion," involving students in stimulating small-group problem-solving tasks that encourage the practice of both listening and speaking skills, in order to increase advanced English-as-a-Second-Language students' seminar and discussion skills. (CB)

A new technique for evaluating postsecondary education courses and improve instruction uses directed group discussion based on formative evaluation of the course concerned. It draws on Delphi technique and nominal group process but is more easily administered and produces higher user satisfaction. Its reliability has been confirmed in educational…

The patterns of thought and behavior used by a teacher as he "created" a discussion with a group of gifted/talented children were examined. A cognitive map illustrates the techniques used to further the discussion. The teacher's use of professional practical knowledge (knowledge about teaching that was gained from experience) is…

Some personal observations are offered about second-language teaching where nonnative speakers of Portuguese participated in class discussions via real time computer networks. Preliminary observations suggest that computer-assisted class discussions may promote student participation, reduce anxiety, and increase identification of language errors.…

"Teacher Roundtables," associated with Michigan State University, consists of elementary, middle, and high school teachers who focus on literacy and learning and meet regularly outside of school. This article focuses on teacher resistance to texts, curriculum, reform proposals, and other elements of school culture that are insensitive to…

This study, with 60 mothers of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities, examined the effectiveness of using videotapes as part of a group parent education program. Parents in the group that saw the videotapes reported less perceived stress, a more positive view of their child's functioning, and higher levels of perceived belonging…

Presents results of a study focusing on a program of dilemma discussion methods for an experimental group of female prisoners and their guards. Concludes that for both the prisoners and staff test scores reflect an increase in moral judgment and ego development. Urges consideration of prison reform from educational and developmental perspectives.…

About two-thirds of all psychiatry residents are foreign-born medical graduates. Discusses the operation, content, focus, challenges, and benefits of a training group experience for the psychiatry residents at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. The goals are to aid acculturation, improve group psychotherapeutic skills, encourage self-awareness, and promote…

Next year, Congress will begin the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, which governs the major student aid programs and other categorical support for colleges and universities administered by the Education Department. Major reauthorization issues include degree of access in Pell program, aid based on manpower planning, etc. (MLW)

Describes a strategy for designing an introductory course in cultural anthropology for "nonelite" students. Discusses the thematic approach to teaching anthropology. Emphasis is placed on the importance of using the culture concept as an analytical tool to understand culturally different behaviors. (JS)

Develops a multidimensional framework for analyzing an extended physics classroom interaction to understand the resources participants use, alignments they form, and meanings and context they construct. Considers how participants negotiate their positions, focusing on one resistant student and why she remains unconvinced by others' arguments and…

Describes three academic group activities used with children or adults in adventure-, challenge-, and experiential-education settings (including classrooms). Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection, and follow-up activities.…

Reports on a study that utilized surveys, interviews, and a modified focus group to examine the perceptions of graduate students regarding the effectiveness of computer-conferencing communication on higher-order learning. Recommendations for effective computer conferencing are included that address organization of content, small-group interaction,…

A first-year course in the computer-based educational media design curriculum at the University of Twente (Netherlands) uses the World Wide Web as an integrated course environment; collaborative group-based learning is the basis of the instruction. The Web is used to make evaluation-oriented activities part of the ongoing student experience.…

Use of student focus groups to help shape college and university student recruitment efforts is examined, illustrated with the experiences of a variety of institutions. Benefits and limitations of the approach are noted, specific techniques for maximizing the groups' effectiveness are suggested, and uses of the resulting information are discussed.…