Common problems encountered in using classroom discussion, particularly in seminars, are examined and a seminar format used at Wadhams Hall Seminary-College is described that avoided most pitfalls. The use of these techniques in other institutional settings is discussed. (MLW)

The paper describes efforts to support the development of reflective practice at a basic school in Brno, the Czech Republic. The aims, structure, content and methods are mentioned, as well as some preliminary results. Also, the authors suggest a few preconditions of the success of possible future actions. The specific case is seen from the…

This package includes a guide for formation and implementation of community study circles on cultural diversity, an abridged version of the same text entitled "A Busy Citizen's Discussion Guide", for study circle participants, and a 23-minute videotape recording. The main guide begins with a section on the need for community conversations, based…

A study examined the characteristics of the learning process when it is facilitated by computer-mediated communication in nonformal learning contexts. In this paper, learning is defined as the transformation of experience through reflection, conceptualization, and action. Such experiential learning often occurs in dialogue with others.…

A professional library for inservice education of teachers can be useful in founding a Teaching of Reading Book Club. The Teaching of Reading Book Club, in time and sequentially, needs to become a community of learners in studying, assessing, and trying out new, recommended approaches in reading instruction. Knowing how these trial runs in new…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and the effectiveness of the use of an on-line community to support preservice teacher and new teacher interaction and development. Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MaSTech) was designed to connect middle grade mathematics preservice teachers and beginning teachers with their peers as well…

Span of life dicussions attempt to help students become more aware of the choices and decisions they make during their college years and how these decisions affect the total span of their lives. Through this program, students begin to explore their own and peer values in relation to the development of a personal life style. (Author)

Describes how guided design is applied to a freshman engineering course so that professional and social concerns are integrated into a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Relates Iowa's experience with a Government by the People" program for adults using materials from high-school public affairs course on local government. Among the results: most participants believed there would be fewer governmental problems if all people agreed on objectives; most are already satisfied with their local governments. (PD)

Two children's book editors, an author, and the director of a children's book research center briefly state their views about what constitutes a "good" book for children. Activities of the Cooperative Children's Book Center in Wisconsin, where librarians, teachers, students, and University of Wisconsin faculty discuss new children's…

Discusses a model for training supervisors, helpers and other leaders of small group discussions with a specific goal. Describes the model's five stages: (1) trainer models leader behavior, (2) subgroup members practice leading, (3) subgroup's behavior processed, (4) critiques leader's behavior, and (5) total group shares observations and…

Discusses how teachers can effectively begin and lead discussion groups for parents of young children. Needs for and characteristics of parent guidance groups are indicated, aspects of the role of the group leader are specified, and ways to begin a parent guidance group are suggested. In conclusion, common concerns of parents are described.…

Principals and counselors can work together to prevent stress and burnout in teachers, resulting in a healthier school climate. This article suggests five objectives that can provide a basis for program building. (Author/WD)