This argument for process analysis in moral education focuses primarily on social developmental processes and educational processes that influence the development of moral reasoning structures. The descriptive-developmental approach, the developmental-ethical approach, and the developmental-process approach to moral discourse are briefly…

Traditionally, group research has focused on outcome rather than process. In order to provide an efficient means of data collection and analysis in group process, the Automatic Vocal Transaction Analyzer (AVTA) system was developed to generate an objective chronography of conversation vocalizations, pauses, turntaking, switching, and…

Classroom dialogue is an important influence on students' learning, making the structure and content of dialogue important research variables. An analysis of two sample classroom dialogues using the Thematic and Structural Analysis (TSA) Technique shows a positive correlation between the quality of dialogue structure and the level of student…

This report provides an overview of a 2-year project aimed at developing an introductory-level training and educational support program for family day care providers in Jackson County, Missouri. The report describes participant characteristics, curriculum development, provider recruitment efforts, formative and summative evaluation procedures and…

Part of a series designed to help community groups engage in discussion on the possibility of individual and community transformation, this guide explores the issues of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Characteristics of stereotyping and factors producing prejudice (personality, learned beliefs, frustration, and economic competition)…

The Discussion Development Group (DDG) at Moray House College of Education, Scotland, is a resource center designed as an open learning system to provide inservice training, consultancy support, and resources on classroom discussion. A case study involving 17 teachers and recently conducted by the DDG explored features of process innovation and…

A handbook for University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) teaching assistants (TAs) is presented that includes information about university policy concerning TAs and their jobs. Contents cover: duties of TAs, teaching associates, and teaching fellows; appointment, reappointment, and duration of employment; salary; benefits; conduct,…

A guide for developing a departmentally-based teaching assistant (TA) training program is presented. At the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) part-time teaching assistant consultants who are experienced TAs have been employed to help with TA training programs. The following criteria are used to evaluate departmental proposals to hire…

A new teaching methodology, the "problem-posing" approach, is advocated in place of the traditional system of education. Experience in teaching the "Principles of Economics" course at the University of North Dakota is used as illustration. The problem-posing approach can create a learning atmosphere that is more conducive to…

Three classroom activities that can help students become better writers by building on skills they already have as well as by providing them with necessary strategies are conferences, journals, and class discussions. Conference groups--made up of three to five students discussing rough drafts of each other's written work and recorded by tape or…

In support of research examining relationships between learner characteristics and the quality of online discussions, this paper surveys different methods for evaluating discussions. The paper will present coding methods used in our own research as well as methods used by others interested in quality online discussions. Key topics include what…

Based on a project involving selected teachers from various vocational service areas, this teaching guide presents the 12 most frequently used strategies of teaching used in the modular approach as determined by those in the project. The brief individual description of each strategy includes notes on its strengths and weaknesses, instructions or…

Results are reported of four community dialogues held in Seattle, Washington, involving members of the community, residents of the nearby Firlands Mini-Prison, and professionals working in various areas of legal and justice systems. The four dialogue sessions covered the following topics: (1) the correctional system as a reflection of social…

The real aim of the study of history is to enable students to develop conviction about their values and beliefs. To promote this end, the teacher must take a strong hand in helping students identify the broad themes that they should trace in their reading and class discussion. The point of discussion is to organize facts and develop…

To create the conditions necessary for students to learn basic skills, teachers should facilitate interpersonal situations that will encourage learning. Teachers should operate less on a defensive basis and allow more student-teacher involvement, careful thinking, and demonstrated relevance of knowledge to create a dynamic learning environment.…