Examines learner strategy in two English-as-a-Second-Language classes in Singapore; one class received instruction in asking higher-order questions, whereas the other did not. The treatment class asked significantly more higher-order questions and provided significantly more elaborated responses during small group discussions. (51 references)…

Investigates students' own interpretations of their contribution to computer-mediated discussions. Subjects were 20 students between the ages of 15 and 16, who participated in computer supported collaborative learning inquiry in literature. Results show how individual students interpret their contribution to the collaborative knowledge…

ListServ allows all parties to speak in the same manner, regardless of their level of technology and bandwidth access. The entry barrier has always been lower than other related technologies. While the hyperbole continues to swirl around the Web as an educational medium, the quiet e-mail message, magnified through the use of ListServ, continues to…

Discusses various class activities conducive to second-language learning. These include working on a legal document, group singing, a presentation on environmental pollution resulting from plastic bags, and listening to a tape on an organization and then posing and answering questions regarding dealings with that group. (CK)

The use of a "2 x 2" matrix for introspection is described. Columns are labelled "Like" and "Don't Like" and rows are labelled "Have" and "Don't Have"; items are jotted down in each of the quadrants. Discussion includes self-diagnosis of responses, cooperative brainstorming and analysis, additional applications, and suggestions for filling out…

Describes the planning and implementation of an online writing center for adult students of SUNY Empire State College, a non-residential, independent-study distance-learning institution. Highlights informational and facilitative properties of hypertext and the need for a personalized instructor "voice." Components of the program included…

The experiences of some faculty members who were recently honored at the American Association for Higher Education's National Conference on Higher Education, where they participated in a Forum on Extraordinary Teaching, is described. To talk publicly about one's teaching was a unique experience for the participants. (MLW)

Investigates the discussions of fifth and sixth grade literature study groups led by teachers in training. Finds children of varying abilities participating in rich discussions of literature, articulating and changing their constructions of meaning, sharing personal stories triggered by the reading, hypothesizing and predicting, and evaluating the…

Examines three anecdotal cases of the teaching of evolution theory in an exploration of the best approaches for teaching about evolution. Three instructional options are presented: (1) readings in natural history, (2) commercially prepared activities, and (3) the use of small-group (peer) discussions. (LZ)

Focuses on two major applications of authentic materials: developing learners' language skills and orienting learners to the application of these skills in possible subsequent activities in the outside world. The article describes experiences in selecting and using authentic materials and in designing and evaluating tasks illustrating such…

Whole-faculty study groups show promise as a vehicle for integrating initiatives and focusing school improvement efforts on increased student learning. The paper describes the San Diego Unified (City) School District's experiences in developing and implementing successful whole-faculty study groups. The groups increased collegiality and improved…

The intuitive simplicity of probability can be deceiving. Described is a dialogue that presents arguments for conflicting solutions to a seemingly simple problem determining the probability of having two boys in a two-child family knowing that one child is a boy. Solutions contain multiple arguments and representations. (MDH)

An innovative use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is described. A university-based computer network used for real-time, synchronous discussion in intermediate Portuguese and elementary French classes provides a unique environment for student-student and student-teacher interaction. (11 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the California Assessment Program's (CAP) group performance assessment task. Provides a sample task field test in world history, including written and culminating exercises. Suggests that such assessment exercises are popular with students and provide the teacher with an amalgam of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. (DK)

Describes a pilot project using electronic mail and conferencing in college courses including blind and deaf students. The effectiveness of group interaction is compared to the standard classroom. The use of communication technologies in the design of educational systems to simultaneously transcend physical distance and physical disabilities is…