This article describes how online discussion groups and visual collaboration can be used in combination to build and support a virtual community of learners. Data derived from several online discussion groups are presented, and the support needs of learners are highlighted as a key factor of success. (Contains 1 figure.)

Support is needed to promote problem-based learning (PBL) and to enhance critical thinking skills in discussion-based Internet forums. By advancing the capabilities of chat room and forum software, problem-based discussions for learning can be supported further in online learning environments. In this paper, the authors report on MALESAbrain, an…

Online discussions can extend learning experiences beyond the time and space of the classroom, allowing students more time to process information, and an additional mode of expression for those who are less active in open classroom discussions. They may be especially appropriate for teaching sensitive or controversial subject matter such as…

As part of a larger project, we studied how a foreign language test got discursively constructed in the talk of upper-secondary-school leavers. A group of students were asked to keep an oral diary to record their ideas, feelings and experiences of preparing for and taking the test over the last spring term of school, as part of a high-stakes…

Many consider rich argumentation to be the core of quality discussions and view it as a vehicle to solving problems and clarifying content. This study examined the influence of a discussion leader intervention on the quality of online argumentation and interactivity. Subjects were 44 undergraduate students who participated in online discussions on…

Written to meet the affective need of adolescent students to share their feelings and concerns with supportive listeners, this document contains 50 guided discussions on various topics relating to three focus areas: the self, the self and others, and stress. Under the focus of the self topics include: personal strengths and limitations; behind the…

This conference presentation describes study groups as a mechanism for changing teacher behavior. The history of study groups is discussed, beginning with the first American study groups organized by Benjamin Franklin; the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle; the waning of study groups in the early 20th century as college enrollment…

The major objective of this conference was the continuation of the exchange of information on the improvement of pre-service and inservice methods courses and other program offerings in mathematics education. Topics highlighted included the effects of state mandated programs for teacher preparation, the growing shortage of qualified mathematics…

The purpose of this parent education project was to strengthen the Israeli family as an educational unit, to increase its ability and knowledge in the field of education, and to broaden the range of responsibility and influence of the family over its young children. The first stage of this project was devoted to problems of early childhood. A…

THIS HANDBOOK FOR PROGRAM PLANNERS HAS CHAPTERS ON EVERY TYPE OF FILM USE, WRITTEN BY PEOPLE ACTIVE IN THE FILM FIELD IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES--PROGRAM PLANNING, FILM EVALUATION, PRESENTATION AND PROMOTION, FILMS IN SMALL TOWNS, IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES, IN MUSEUMS, USED FOR DISCUSSION GROUPS, COMMUNITY AND COLLEGE FILM SOCIETIES, SCHOOL, CHURCH, AND…

This discussion leader guide for teachers and administrators is designed to accompany four films in a human relations training unit titled "Confrontation." The guide is presented in two parts. Part I outlines objectives and episodes in each film and suggests discussion questions and solutions. Objectives of the first film, "School-Community," are…

A variety of individual and group activities which require students to examine their ethnic background and their personal values related to cultural pluralism are included in this teaching guide. The unit is part of the Louisville Area Ethnic Heritage Studies Project described in ED 150 043. The project materials are designed to foster…

AS ENGLISH SUPERVISORS SEEK TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH, THEY SHOULD CONSIDER THAT DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER SCHOOLS DO NOT ALWAYS SUIT LOCAL CONDITIONS AND THAT PRESENT CHANGE IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH ALLOWS TEACHERS TO EXPERIMENT FREELY IN THEIR CLASSROOMS. IN LIGHT OF THIS FREEDOM TO INNOVATE, SUPERVISORS MAY FIND THE FOLLOWING SIX IDEAS…

RATINGS OF THE LEADER'S INITIATION OF STRUCTURE AND CONSIDERATION WERE OBTAINED FROM 36 INTERCULTURAL DISCUSSION GROUPS OF ONE AMERICAN AND ONE INDIAN GRADUATE STUDENT PLUS AN AMERICAN LEADER. RATINGS OF GROUP ATMOSPHERE, ESTEEM FOR LEADER, AND LEADER EFFECTIVENESS WERE ALSO OBTAINED AFTER EACH GROUP COMPLETED AN INTERCULTURAL NEGOTIATION TASK AND…

This discussion guide will help groups of teachers, parents, and high school students learn about the importance of values and the role of education in the study of values. Several techniques are presented by which educators can design classroom experiences around the process of valuing. A major objective of the guide is to assure parents of the…