Describes the implementation of a training program for seventh graders based on a modification of Infante's Inventional System (a system used to generate arguments). Finds that the training program significantly increased both the students' general tendency to argue, as well as their ability to generate arguments. (SR)

Presents a two-step approach that uses classroom dialogs to guide students in developing and applying critical-thinking skills. Describes how students evaluate written dialogs for biases, evidence, interpretations, and errors in reasoning, then take part in discussion as role players, analyzing errors in thinking, identifying reasoning skills,…

Argues on behalf of a classroom modeled after John Dewey, one that advances social critique and reform but nevertheless values community over radical pedagogy that involves direct confrontation and argumentation. (TB)

Describes the increasing interest in high school debate teams among minority group students. Participation in debate, no longer the province of white students alone, can result in increased college admissions, thanks in part to the Urban Debate League. (SLD)

Argues that David Elliott's conception of the human mind presented in his book "Music Matters" is not coherent. Outlines three alternatives to Elliott's theory of mind. Suggests that the principles associated with the pragmatism of Charles Sanders Pierce would complement Elliott's ideas in his book. (CMK)

Examines John Wilson's ideal of love between equals presented in his work "Love between Equals." Assesses whom Wilson perceives as counting as equals and examines Wilson's ideas further by addressing who in this equal relationship is taking responsibility for whose sexuality. Highlights a moral peril associated with his ideal of…

Reviews the book, "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" (Jared Diamond). Examines the strengths of the book, focusing on its distinctive aspects, while also offering criticism. States that the final chapter is the most problematic part of Diamond's work. (CMK)

Presents a method for analyzing the didactic strategies put forward to develop students' argumentation skills in biotechnology. Considers five supporting examples and focuses successively on the social characteristics at play and the procedures. Attempts to produce analytical tools to support designers and users of teaching materials in making…

Considers how little training is provided for writing "the internal proposal." Notes that the internal proposal provides an opportunity for students to develop the competence and confidence to express their ideas in the workplace, encouraging them to demonstrate awareness and initiative, utilize problem-solving skills, and create a persuasive…

Argues that a theory-based explanation is needed to understand the nature and reasons for students' problems with writing persuasive researched papers. Proposes that teachers nurture creativity by teaching students to see themselves as scholars and to set reading and writing goals for themselves that will allow them to think constructively. (MG)

Investigates how numbers function rhetorically by influencing persuasive appeals, the structure of messages, and the use of language. Argues that "three" is the dominant numerical motif in the English language. Asserts that, as long as numbers influence the speech, behaviors, and perceptions of people, their rhetorical significance must…

Investigates vocal stress as an indicator of deception or truth telling, using descriptive, narrative, and emotionally eliciting questions in simulated job interviews with Chinese immigrants. Finds the validity of the vocal stress index as a measure of stress and discomfort limited to prepared lies and responses requiring an emotional response.…

Presents an edited transcript of a discussion held in April 1989 between Jacques Derrida and a group of students and professors concerning Derrida's "Afterword: Toward an Ethic of Discussion." Discusses Derrida's views on "deconstruction" as a term and a movement, the idea of arguments and persuasion, and specific power…

Studies the effect of involvement in responses to persuasive appeals. Explains that mass communication students, grouped by high and low ability and motivation levels, were given pretests and then listened to health information. Reveals correlations among attentiveness, ability, and recall of irrelevant words. Indicates that motivation…

Analyzes how John Dickinson's "Letter from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" appropriates pastoral design and convention for rhetorical ends. Explores how literary idiom lends its force of expression to meet the needs of public controversy and how rhetorical judgment is both insubstantiated in the argument and is its chief mode of appeal. (KEH)