Classroom discussions focusing on four topics relating to racial prejudice were used to strengthen students' self-esteem and change attitudes. A series of detailed stimulus questions were provided to help children explore the issues, understand them, and stimulate positive action. Results indicated the program activated positive racial attitudes.…

Presents a contingency model for decision making with regard to needs analysis methods. Focus is on 12 methods with brief discussion of their defining characteristics and some operational guidelines for their use. (JOW)

A University of Rhode Island course in pharmaceutical law and ethics has been redesigned to allow time for small group discussions, role-playing and case studies. This format was developed to elevate learning activities above the recall level and to incorporate activities into the areas of personal and professional ethics. Learning levels and…

Describes the in-service training project for Australian aboriginal paralegal field officers of the Aboriginal Legal Service, organized by the Law School and Extension Service of the University of Western Australia. The project team acted as facilitators for the field officers, a participative training program design being found to be important.…

Describes a learning unit on women's contributions to society that was developed cooperatively by third grade teachers and a library media specialist. Students brainstormed what they knew about women's accomplishments, conducted group and individual phone interviews, and questioned a panel of women who visited the school. Sidebars include the…

Advocates encouraging and incorporating student/teacher questioning interactions into social studies classrooms. Maintains that guided discussions and questioning techniques facilitate classroom management and appeal to a variety of learning styles. Includes extended examples of classroom discussions and questioning activities. (MJP)

Describes changes in the perspectives and practices of two teacher educators as a result of a series of action research projects conducted over a six-year period in an elementary education course. The studies focused on reflection, student learning, reading and writing instruction, and course impact. (SM)

Discusses use of teacher talk about innovation as an alternative to journal entries in eliciting reflective behavior. Describes a study that investigated whether teachers assembled to discuss portfolio assessment would spontaneously engage in four levels of action (describing, informing, confronting, and reconstructing). Analysis of transcripts…

Basic principles of developing and implementing an affective curriculum which promotes students' self-esteem and personal skills are offered. The article addresses: establishment of rules of affective group discussions, guidelines to help teachers and students maintain flexible and realistic expectations, the importance of teacher planning, and…

This article describes an interdisciplinary classroom project in which ninth graders simulate a "World Council on Genetic Technology." Students in small groups take on the persona and interests of individuals from specific countries in the group effort to develop a covenant for regulating the use of biotechnology. The benefits of having gifted…

Introduces a case written by two physical education teacher education instructors. Shows how case method directly impacts the teaching/learning process, explains how to facilitate discussions surrounding the case, offers sample student responses and instructor facilitation, and describes use of case teaching to promote reflection. (SM)

Determined best practices for enhancing preservice teachers' knowledge of gender equity and use of innovative instructional methods for developing classroom democratic social values. Found that development in understanding and application of appropriate, equitable classroom practices emerged over a semester in which preservice teachers were…

Describes the use of a local area network and video switching equipment in teaching revision skills on computer. Explains that reading stories from texts, rewriting them from differing character viewpoints, and editing them as a group exposed students to a variety of writing problems and stimulated various revision strategies. (SG)

Analyzes transcripts of four reading lessons based on the Kamehameha Reading Program (emphasizing discussion and oral language within group reading lessons) given to three low-ability second grade readers. Identifies six components important to reading success, including contextual-based lessons, minimal skills instruction, and active quests for…

Presents a two-part article about the use of the Paideia Seminar approach in college and high school classrooms. Outlines the preparation and implementation of discussion seminars. Details student attitudes about the approach. Includes three tables with guidelines, rules, and communication suggestions for seminar leaders. (CFR)