Online discussion can be designed to develop the skills and confidence of students as well as providing an opportunity for constructing knowledge. If students decide not to participate or join too late, they put their own development and the quality of the learning community at risk. This article reflects on a first term undergraduate experience…

A purpose-built blend of teaching and learning activities was used with trainee teachers on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course, and subsequently evaluated in a cyclical action research study, over a period of two years. The purpose of the blend was to engender the formation of a learning community, by giving them access to each…

This article shares the results of a 3-year study of the use of threaded discussion groups within intact eighth-grade classrooms in a middle school in Southern California. Using mixed-methods data collection and analysis, it addresses questions about how technology may be used effectively to create engaged writers and how student access to…

Responding to the dramatic changes in the style and form of communication, a communication instructor integrated the Internet into his communication courses at a liberal arts college. Students are required to sign up for a discussion group (listserv) that focuses on the course offering as well as a discussion group in their area of interest. Every…

As K-12 schools connect to the Internet, a new means of communication opens up to educators and students. This updated digest describes some sample services and resources available to the K-12 community via electronic mail. Information sources covered include: question answering services, including AskERIC and the Online Writing Lab; listservs or…

Many teachers are hesitant to incorporate peer-led discussion groups into their classrooms. Teachers worry that if they relinquish control in their classrooms students may miss the main theme of stories or may spend little time on task, groups may dissolve from excessive bickering, and their classrooms will be out of control. Nevertheless, the…

The purpose of this guide is to help study circle leaders design a study circle course and develop the reading material for the discussions. Benefits for the participants and the sponsoring organization are discussed. Three issues in planning the study circle program are addressed: goals, participants, and time frame. Key characteristics of…

As educators in higher education, we face many challenges, but probably none like that of teaching online. While institutions of higher education have enjoyed a long history of traditional teaching and learning, the realities of providing an environment tailored to the needs and interests of today's adult learners is a very real and timely issue.…

The American Indian Law Students Association, which has been in existence for 5 years, provides a forum where the ideas of the soon-to-be attorney can be expressed, and a common ground where the student becomes aware of current legal developments affecting the Indian community. (KM)

THIS PAPER EXAMINES SOME OF THE MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN RESEARCH ON STUDENT-LED SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TEACHING PROCEDURES. IT FOCUSES UPON PROBLEMS OF CRITERION EXAMINATION, USE OF RATING FORMS TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS METHODS OF INSTRUCTION, AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING CLASSROOM PROCEDURE. THIS PAPER…

A MODEL FOR A CAREER GUIDANCE SYSTEM THAT APPEARS TO EFFECT POSITIVE CHANGE FOR STUDENTS, SCHOOLS, AND THE COMMUNITY IS PRESENTED. THERE ARE FOUR PHASES TO THE MODEL, ONE FOR EACH YEAR THE STUDENT IS IN HIGH SCHOOL. THE STUDENT'S SKILLS, APTITUDES, INTERESTS, INTELLIGENCE, AND ACHIEVEMENTS ARE DETERMINED AT INITIAL FACT GATHERING SESSIONS. THIS…

Group interaction research typically focusses on behavior under "laboratory" conditions rather than in less contrived situations. Observation of natural group behaviors at different ages can effect a better understanding of their occurrence and patterning at various developmental stages. Knowledge of age-related group behavior tendencies could…

Discharged adolescent schizophrenics (17) and their families participated in a pilot program of multiple group counseling, planned to help ex-patients reintegrate into the community. Patients were selected prior to discharge and randomly divided into three multiple-family groups. Each participating family had had a severe breakdown in the…

This study investigated the use of reading activities in the enhancement of the lives of nursing-home patients. A special reading group was led by a reading specialist in weekly sessions. Patients voluntarily attended the one-hour sessions and read short selections supplied by the reading specialist. Patients ranged in age from 54 to 91. The…

This text explores the organization, methodology, and effectiveness of small group instruction. The following topics are discussed in detail: 1) rationale and objectives for small group instruction; 2) group roles and interpersonal dynamics; 3) different types of groups and their instructional purpose; 4) group organization; 5) skills required in…