Competence in discussion ability cannot be assumed. Discussions will only be facilitated in a style that is exciting, learning-oriented, and useful, when teachers and students are prepared and competent. This article was designed to acquaint teachers with six significant aspects of the discussion facilitation process. (Author/RK)

Describes a nine-step workshop approach to short-story writing, providing collaborative criticism and multiple audiences for students' writing. (AA)

Examined friendship formation as developing a common understanding of social reality. Individuals engaged in weekly discussions completed repertory grids and attraction ratings after the 4th and 18th weeks of acquaintance. Deteriorating partnerships were significantly less similar in their assessment of other group members than were developing…

Claims that encouraging children to act cooperatively instead of competitively can make learning a positive experience for the majority of students. Suggests activities which encourage this shift. (JK)

Results indicated that the moral discussion group had a significant impact on the moral reasoning ability of delinquent and predelinquent adolescents as compared with a placebo group and a control group. Findings also indicated that gains in moral reasoning do not necessarily lead to improved classroom behaviors. (Author/ABB)

A study of the effects of variation in student preparation and leadership (emergent vs. assigned) in discussion groups found that both factors influenced verbal inactivity. The leadership effects were explained in terms of interaction-expectation theory and behavior modelling. (MSE)

The most common consequence of setting up an "electronic discussion group" for a university class or a group of faculty is a flurry of initial greetings followed by an enduring silence. Only a small proportion of computer users are active and sophisticated enough to read regularly and feel disposed to participate actively. Written…

The author discusses the use of the open-ended discussion as a teaching strategy. The intended outcomes for students are listed along with a brief delineation of the teacher's role, including focus setting, structuring, accepting, and clarifying. (RP)

Author developed a plan for a classroom discussion of the self which helped students enlarge on their own self-understanding and empathy for others. (Author/RK)

A series of short articles describing the involvement of parents in the educational process. (MB)

The reasons why local study/development councils continue to be successful. (RA)

A review of small group communication research published mostly in regional and national journals up to 1969." (Author)

Describes an exercise designed to help individuals and couples explore their attitudes toward extramarital relations, and analyze its causes and consequences. Presents several potential issues which typically develop. Provides guidelines for using the exercise. (RC)

In a university setting, children of alcoholics met for a series of sessions to discuss their similar backgrounds and to identify coping mechanisms. The students received information on treatment for the alcoholic parent and for themselves in the event that they should become alcoholics. (JN)