Presents a theoretical formulation that integrates, within the framework of expectation states theory, theories of the emergence of power-and-prestige orders in status-heterogeneous and homogeneous task-oriented groups. Discusses a model based on this theoretic formulation. Offers a model for predicting participation rates in open interaction…

Examined the quality of responses of six classes of grade six students to four questions requiring multiple and generalized solutions posed under varying conditions. Results indicated that this type of question can be useful in classrooms because students can respond at a variety of levels. (13 references) (MDH)

The "hot potato technique" (HPT) is described as an effective way to engage high school English-language students in class discussions. HPT involves using newspapers and magazines to stimulate participation. (LB)

Offers peer-response groups as a method for teaching composition. Discusses published and student models, practicing in class with a teacher's draft, and how to form and run peer-response groups. Lists five observed qualities of successful groups, and describes how the teacher fits into the process. Includes examples from students' papers. (PRA)

Describes a course designed to challenge students to look at the way they are influenced by the mass media. Provides details of the procedures for forming the cooperative groups, the material used, the issues discussed, and the students' responses. (PRA)

"Nature-rich mentoring" is a method aimed at changing attitudes and behavior toward the environment. In this method, a small group with members from diverse backgrounds participates in an outdoor expedition with opportunities for daily reflection and discussion. Expeditions should be planned according to participant ability to allow…

Describes the Vicarious Learner Project, a project which investigates the fundamental role of dialog for learning, specifically the benefits to learners of being able to observe others participating in discussion. Theoretical aspects of the work, a high-level process model of learning, and a more detailed logic model of what happens in educational…

Transcribes a roundtable discussion among a group of student advisors who studied the history of slavery and worked on the public television project "Africans in America." Discusses issues about presenting history, dealing with slavery and racism, and how the history of slavery impacts students' own identities. (DSK)

Today's superintendents are unaccustomed to sharing significant power with others and are expected to educate all youngsters effectively. Superintendents' responses to differences with their boards can profoundly affect progress in school improvement. By stressing dialog over discussion, superintendents might keep their jobs without sacrificing…

Assesses preservice teachers, student teachers, and cooperating teachers on their understanding of the foundations and applications of reading instruction. Concludes that extended, interactive periods of reading interventions and discussions combined with authentic reading experiences with children from diverse cultural backgrounds may increase…

Recommends that teachers combine multicultural education with an inquiry-based approach to social studies to help students critically examine society. Addresses the different obstacles when adopting this approach and offers an example of the inquiry method at work. Identifies 12 essential questions and controversial issues to use in classroom…

Explores the results obtained from using a computer network for real-time synchronous discussion in a course for students of English as a foreign language. Found that computer conferencing had noticeable effects on students' motivation for language learning. (Author/VWL)

Describes the development and evaluation of coMentor, a virtual-learning environment that supports student discussion and debate through the World Wide Web, particularly for theoretical subjects. Discusses its use in an undergraduate philosophy course and reports results that indicate higher levels of learning among students who used the system.…

Recounts experiences of Brigham Young University student teachers in Mexican schools. Explores reasons for lack of interest in facilitating creativity, despite a rich culture. Discusses four positive changes occurring in Mexican education: (1) students allowed to write about their own topics; (2) open-ended questions and informal debates; (3)…

Describes software which was developed to help collaborating pupils test hypotheses. Discusses use of the software by 9-14 year-old pupils in Scotland, comparing their activity with that of similarly aged pupils who worked with otherwise equivalent software which lacked any prompts. (Author/AEF)