A demonstration is described that encourages students to engage in inquiry in biology. Using chemicals and an overhead projector, the instructor can simulate a living organism projected onto a screen. The reaction can aid students in defining the characteristics of life. (SA)

Distinguishing between two types of test questions, constructed-response (essay/completion) and selected-response (multiple-choice/true-false), the author considers both in relation to the specificity of learning outcomes being tested, the use of criterion or norm-referenced measurement, and the formative or summative nature of the evaluation.…

Commenting on the preceding article, pages 8-13 of this journal issue, the author critiques Mason's assessment of the utility of selected-response and constructed-response test questions. (SJL)

The results of this study suggest that student perceptions of teacher behavior can have an important influence on causal relationships in the classroom. (MM)

Explicates how teachers' control over classroom discourse patterns during teaching-learning activities influences the types of knowledge children create and acquire. Examines the relationship between two types of teacher-child discourse commonly used in early childhood classrooms and the semiotic tools children appropriate through participation in…

Argues that in order to have bona fide inquiry experiences, students must formulate their own questions, create hypotheses, and design investigations that test those hypotheses and answer the proposed questions. (DDR)

Used message semantics networks to analyze Year 1 teachers' questions of students during small group sessions. Found that although questions were common, they were used to prompt information already known to the teacher. Results suggest that questioning style may help or hinder children's learning and that semantic networks may be used to evaluate…

Investigates the case of a 7-year-old boy with severe word-finding difficulties. The study used a series of theoretically motivated questions as a framework for psycholinguistic investigation to determine the cause of his difficulties. Findings indicated pervasive deficits in phonological processing, deficits interpreted as a developmental…

Presents sample questions for use as a guide for teachers to question students about literature and to model effective questioning techniques for them. Details topics, including literary characteristics; setting; vocabulary; general questions; characters; author; plot, theme, mood, and moral; and illustrations-pictures. (KDFB)

Two experiments examined effects of a cognitive interview on 4- and 8-year-olds' correct recall and subsequent reporting of misinformation. Found that a cognitive interview elicited more correct details than a control interview. Eight-year-olds' reports were more complete than 4-year-olds', with more correct person, action, object, and location…

Explores the use of classroom exercises in a course on historical methods. Describes each of the exercises in detail: (1) focuses on facts and includes a processing activity; and (2) emphasizes points of view and includes a processing activity. (CMK)

Considers how effective teaching can be generated in school by arguing that effective teaching involves the development of personal growth and intellect. Explores the issues in relation to effective teaching in the learning/understanding context because some classroom practices may impede student learning. (CMK)

A parent of a gifted preteen discusses how parents can promote critical thinking in their gifted adolescents. Parents are urged to focus three levels of cognition where critical thinking is believed to take place: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Examples of positive interactions and questioning techniques are provided. (Contains 1 reference.)…

Argues that accounts (explanations of conduct) provided in selection interviews are not powerless speech forms. Examines relative frequencies of accounts, and describes a subset of selection interviews as "hazardous" communication events. Suggests that accounts, if not excessive, assist applications by explaining away questionable…