Contrasted high-functioning and low-functioning persons in small groups using two studies based on Carkhuff's and Maslow's models of effective functioning. Results revealed high-functioning persons perceived interpersonal effectiveness as a Gestalt; low-functioning persons perceived interpersonal dimension operating independently. (JAC)

Describes Freshmen Awareness Groups, discussion groups designed to unite students, teachers and counselors in sharing ideas and feelings and becoming more aware of themselves and each other. Activities and goals for the five weekly sessions are outlined. (JAC)

Shows how to use a student-created character, Stanley Realbozo, in a highly motivating unit on character and plot development in the short story. (MM)

Frequently, tutorial or seminar members take no part in discussion, a feature considered essential to this teaching method. Tutors may be largely responsible by dominating discussion. Student participation can be increased by varying teaching methods; reducing discussion group size, brainstorming, idea development techniques, and student…

Describes a developmental counseling program designed to help deaf children. Discusses the following strategies: (1) counselor-teacher relationships; (2) student communication strategies; (3) learning group discussions; (4) group counseling; and (5) individual counseling. (RC)

Presents two assignments that show (1) how George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" can be applied to business writing and (2) how structured student-teacher conferences can generate enthusiasm for oral expression in a business communication course. (AEA)

In describing the just community approach to moral education developed at Cluster alternative high school, the author focuses on the setting of collective norms and relationships between these norms and Kohlberg's moral development stages. He finds this approach to moral education to be more comprehensive than the moral discussion approach. (SJL)

Describes a 1920s study by Hartshorne and May, the "Character Education Inquiry," and summarizes its three-volume report, "Studies in the Nature of Character," about students' moral development and ethical instruction. Emphasizes findings that discussing hypothetical dilemmas and supplying moral knowledge are less effective…

Argues that putting children in the questioning role in a discussion leads them to higher levels of thinking. Describes several methods designed to stimulate question creation. (FL)

Varied leadership style against form of address (Mr., Ms., Miss, Mrs.) in a simulated small group case study. Student ratings indicated significant effects due to leader style (i.e., greater subordination and stronger friendship attraction to democratic leaders). Authoritarian leaders using title Ms. evoked higher subordination than other…

Study circles, sponsored by government subsidy in Denmark and Sweden, are characterized by small group discussion of subjects of common interest, voluntary participation, and facilitators instead of teachers. They have often functioned in the formation of public policy and in the education of citizens on important issues. (SK)

Recounts how to use discussion groups to reinforce and expand upon lectures and how to link successive weekly topics by using thematic and role playing methods and a single theme. Theme used is perceptions of place and their ramifications in a decision making process. Journal availability: see SO 507 262. (Author/CK)

Techniques for initiating good discussion in class include: examining goals and values, noting concrete images in text, generating questions among students, finding illustrative quotations, small group discussion, generating truth statements, forced debates, role playing, non-structured scene-setting, and eliciting opinoins of the text. (MSE)

A seminar aimed especially at improving the capacity of psychiatrists and medical students to understand the emotional conflicts of their Black patients as well as the therapists' own race-related attitudes and behaviors is outlined. The course is based on the study of Black autobiographical literature. (Author/MLW)

Suggests six verbal techniques, other than direct questions, by which a teacher may promote classroom discussion: declarative statements, declarative re-statements, indirect questions, imperatives, student questions, and deliberate silence. (SJL)