The simplicity activist defines voluntary simplicity as critical thinking and discusses its relationship to the environment, consumerism, excessive wealth, alternative education, and democracy. Voluntary simplicity involves discovering what matters, and study circles allow small groups of people to explore an "examined life." Contains…

Describes a lesson for fourth grade, using Marietta Moskin's "Lysbet and the Fire Kittens," that uses discussion questions and two semantic webs (one of present-day life and another of colonial life in New Amsterdam). Discusses the story and considers using fiction to teach elementary social studies. (CMK)

Compares two formats for modeling how peers can critique each other's works, one that follows a traditional sequence of drafting, peer response, teacher conferences, and revision, and the other a revised version of this approach in which teacher conferences precede peer responses. Finds that training students in peer response groups during teacher…

Presents a model instructional session that was prepared and taught by librarians to introduce college students, faculty, and staff to the Internet by teaching them how to join listservs and topic-centered discussion groups. Describes the sessions' audience, learning objectives, facility, and course design. Presents a checklist for preparing an…

Investigates college/university professors' views on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students' difficulties with listening/speaking tasks. Findings show that respondents felt that their ESL students have great difficulty with class participation, asking and responding to questions, and general listening comprehension. (55 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the history and purpose of the case study method used to stimulate in-class discussion. Advocates the use of the guided case study method to ensure that substantive discussions take place and provides nine steps for using the method. Includes a sample case study worksheet. (11 citations) (BCY)

Discusses a research seminar for senior history majors that uses three documents: a written text, a photograph, and a material object. Focuses on how the object, a 19th-century curling iron, is used to elucidate discussion not only of the object, but hypotheses about individuals and society, and about historical research. (DSK)

A small instructional group operating on the theories of group dynamics and cooperative learning can be used to effectively teach subjects in adult training programs. Describes useful techniques for developing a supportive and productive climate for adult training, focusing on group organization, group leadership, group characteristics, and…

Investigates whether employing the philosophical inquiry approach specifically in the aesthetics and art criticism component of the visual arts curriculum was beneficial to teacher effectiveness and student understandings. Describes the methodology and data analysis and an intervention program that aimed to assist teachers to engage in…

Describes a study of first-year medical students that tested the effects of problem-based tutorial group discussion on learning new information from a text. Highlights include effects of small-group instruction on cognition; randomized experimental and control groups; recall; and results that showed the positive effects of problem-based group…

Discusses nine works of young adult fiction that address themes of standing up for others as well as for one's true self, of daring to be different, and of finding the courage to go against the tide. Considers use of the books in small group and classroom discussions. (JPB)

Describes a global issues project in which students modeled the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Discusses project aspects while focusing on the use of the Alta Vista Forum for web-based threaded discussion. (CMK)

Examines why, in spite of overwhelming evidence over a long period of time that students retain material learned by questioning, teachers are not more effective questioners. Describes an eight-session workshop that develops teachers' abilities to ask questions that are truly thought-provoking. (SR)

Provides background information on four constitutional amendment proposals: (1) flag protection amendment; (2) school prayer amendment; (3) balanced-budget amendment; and (4) victim rights amendment. Evaluates each in terms of timeliness, the support base, and the strength of their opposition. Includes questions for discussion. (CMK)

Reports on the use of short stories in Internet discussions to promote student learning. Describes off-campus teacher education students using CMC (Computer Mediated Communication) discussions of short stories and discusses results that show the use of narratives can improve the social environment of online conferences and contribute to…