This paper examines the mechanics of argumentation, some features of computer conferencing software that might support this teaching and learning method (e.g., strategies for sharing, examining and commenting on various kinds of evidence, threading a conversation, indicating type of message, linking to outside information, highlighting new…

Group seminars, or small discussion groups, support cooperative reflection between teachers, expose interns to new perspectives, help them develop professional relationships, and allow time for them to expand and deepen their reflective analysis of everyday occurrences. A group of 15 student teachers in an early childhood program at one university…

Examines the idea of organizational communication competence and describes how behavioral, cognitive, and performance objectives can be developed for a simulation course. Explains how the course works using small groups, organizational problems, and problem-solving discussions. Includes a sample syllabus with evaluation forms, a discussion of…

This study recorded and analyzed 96 student discussion groups to identify successful dialogue strategies; to highlight difficulties deriving from group characteristics; and to examine how students behave, what they gain, and which students benefit most. A model of a successful discussion is outlined and study findings considered. (Author/SJL)

The Michael's Group Remediation System was utilized in teaching a course dealing with the optics of the eye. The system features instructor pacing, written study objectives and content materials, weekly quizzes, and remediation. This mode of presentation was judged by instructor and students as being extremely successful. (Author/JMD)

Because of the complexity of large-scale projects, teams of experts have become the new designers of the built environment, with clients, decision makers, and buildings' users demanding inclusion in these teams. The Grand Frame Game is described as a technique for including people in decision making. (MLW)

Presents excerpts from a discussion in an English-as-a-Second-Language classroom to illustrate the role of group discussion in assessing reading comprehension and shaping realizations through a type of scaffolded instruction. Discusses the "stepping stones" technique with a classroom transcript illustrating its use. (nine references) (Author/CK)

Uses oral-language skills assessment to illustrate sound classroom assessment practices, stressing interrelationships among teaching, learning, and assessment and viewing assessment as a continual, ongoing reference in a dynamic process, not an end in itself. Describes supportive classroom environments, explains oral language profiles, and…

Compares the interactions in two listservs, one dealing with a chronic illness (diabetes), the other with a more acute disease (colon cancer). Analysis of 1000 messages from each list categorized messages by problem orientation and into socioemotional areas having positive and negative reactions and into task areas for asking questions and…

Discusses ways to improve the learning experience in English-as-a-Second-Language classes. These include interacting with others, discussions of interesting subjects, playing games with a pronunciation focus, communicating over the computer with native speakers and establishing analytical and comprehensible grading criteria. (Three references) (CK)

Argues that focusing on perceptual learning styles builds a self-awareness that serves students well because, the more they know about their learning styles, the easier it is to apply that knowledge to learning. The article points out that this process builds classroom community and provides students with opportunities to practice their writing…

Discusses barriers to threaded-topic discussions in online teaching. Suggests a better way to enhance communication and promote collaborative learning: a jointly prepared, "shared document" format. Describes the development and use of Forum MATRIX, a software program designed to maximize the potential of the shared document format. (AEF)

Describes the underlying philosophy, content and evaluation issues, and selection and training of facilitators for a model acquaintance rape prevention program for male students conducted at Hobart College. Provides guidelines to help other colleges and universities implement a model rape prevention program for men that uses small-group discussion…

Explores a discussion in a bilingual education class of Haitian students where a non-teacher-directed discussion format and an emphasis on the students' own questions encourage the use of the students' everyday ways of talking and exploring ideas. The article's analysis of a discussion shows what and how the students are learning in this context.…

Describes a juried process designed more accurately to assess student teacher performance, noting the degree to which success ratings correlated with students' grades, test scores, and ratings. Transcribed interviews with cooperating teachers were rated by jury members. Two strengths in using a juried approach to performance evaluation were…