Discusses effective use of teacher language in guiding children to interact verbally. Presents technique of repeating the last three words of a child utterance, followed by the word "and," which encourages children to continue talking. Suggests that coupled with positive body language and genuine interest, this technique supports verbal…

To examine classroom discussion, observations were made in 20 college classes and surveys were administered to 20 faculty and 579 students. Results indicate that little time was devoted to interaction and few students participated. However, teaching techniques (praise, probing for elaboration, accepting answers, repeating students' answers, using…

This study examined the effects of work with video-mediated cases on the meaning preservice teachers made of classroom teaching and learning vignettes. Analysis of interviews and discussions indicated that one-third of the topics discussed were adopted, transformed, or created by respondents for use in describing personal meaning making. (SM)

Presents strategies to create a classroom environment in which preservice teachers can break the taboo of silence and begin discussion of cultural diversity issues, drawing on faculty experience. A community atmosphere and mutual respect are key elements in encouraging open discussion. (SLD)

Discusses a language classroom that helps develop a vision for expanding intelligent behavior and reinventing language learning. The article encourages using the seven intelligences--verbal, musical, logical, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal--in problem situations and focusing on the varied approach to learning fostered by…

Discusses the need for preservice teachers to interact with students and describes the use of Web-based asynchronous discussion to increase the quality and quantity of English education initial licensure program students' interactions with middle school students during a practicum experience at the University of Minnesota. Topics include…

Provides an account of the perceptions and experiences of preservice teachers on the roles of their tutors in online discussions, based on a study at the National Institute of Education (Singapore). Reports results of a questionnaire survey, focus group interviews, and analyses of the discussion records. (Author/LRW)

Presents a lesson for teaching students about slavery in the United States by using slavery petitions. Describes a lesson that spans over two class periods, explaining that on the first day students listen to an interview with Professor Loren Schweninger about the "Talking History" program. Includes reproductions of the petitions. (CMK)

An action research project examined open meetings in four elementary classrooms. Open meetings allowed class members and teachers to discuss topics important to the group. Interaction data, meeting videotapes, and student and teacher interviews indicated that all participants considered open meetings in classrooms an effective pedagogical method.…

Describes the use of a local area network for synchronous, real-time communication in a second language using a facilitating software package, the Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment, composed of modules to enhance process writing in English. Describes five modules adapted for use in French as a second language classes: InterChange, Invent,…

This article summarizes the plot of "Bonjour, Lonnie," a picture book about an orphaned African American Jewish boy's search for his roots; provides discussion questions; and outlines research and language arts activities in biography, art, civil rights, and family heritage. Includes an interview with the author, and highlights the 1997…

This study compared flow of information and peer- and teacher-directed scaffolding evident in whole class discussions during Years 1 and 2 of a middle school mathematics teacher's efforts to change classroom practices. Results showed that in Year 2, the teacher removed herself as the analytic center to invite greater student participation.…

This commentary on four studies on instructional discourse highlights the possible reasons for variations in instructional engagement within and across the studies, discusses the challenges to engaging student with learning disabilities in discipline-based instruction, and stresses the value for the learning disabilities field of greater attention…

Presents a case study that used mystery stories to help English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students develop their linguistic competence and reading skills. Instruction focuses on the symbolism used in both stories and the characterization of the major protagonists with the view to encourage discussion among students. Results suggest that literary…

Proposes that research has shown how attention to cultural mismatch may be a key to equitable school achievement. Presents a series of case study vignettes to assist practicing teachers with working with culturally and linguistically diverse at-risk students. Concludes that reading tasks must also be seen as social tasks. (PM)