This study investigated the effects of computer-based technologies on literature discussions between preservice teachers and eighth graders. Most participating preservice teachers were preparing to work with students in literacy development. Over two semesters, eighth graders were paired with college students taking a young adults literature…

Reports on a study that examined undergraduate student pairs carrying out an electronic discussion task in a synchronous computer mediated communication system. Discusses collaborative argumentation; focusing; knowledge construction; learning processes; comparative analyses of dialog between tutor and student; and peer coaching. (Contains 33…

This report provides a rationale for making inquiry-oriented discussions a more integral part of classroom practice. It begins by identifying five features that make this type distinct from other types of discussion--focusing especially on the use of multiple texts. Then, the heart of the report explains the concepts and practices that are central…

According to this document, citizens need to reaffirm their commitment to the guiding principles of the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution. The rights and the responsibilities of the religious liberty clauses provide the civic framework within which individuals are able to debate differences, to understand one…

A study examined the listening needs experienced by people who engage regularly in small group communication situations. Subjects were 137 students, including graduate communication students, senior level students in organizational communication classes, undergraduate communication students in an adult re-entry program, and undergraduate students…

An experiment in behavior technology is described in which the results indicate that token technology can be an effective technique to increase small group participation when a variety of back-up reinforcers is offered. (Author/HB)

Article discussed problems in education presented in the form of a play with a moderator, superintendent, and a teacher as the cast of characters. (RK)

Creating poetry with your students is fun for everyone - class excitement is high and rewards are many. (Editor)

The handbook, an outgrowth of a project involving 8-13 year-old siblings of handicapped children and their parents, describes ways to implement sibling programs. Problems facing siblings are reviewed, including overidentification, resentment, and embarassment. Guidelines for conducting "sibshops" are offered with information on five goals, such as…

This document contains a leader's guide for Recording the Hard Times, a program designed to help young people between the ages of 11 and 15 handle the stress in their lives or the stress of their friends. It notes that the workbook is designed to be used in a group setting while the specific recording sessions are designed to be completed…

A discussion of the importance of discussing a game's strategy after the game activity, in order that the purpose is not masked by involvement in details. (HB)

A teacher training coordinator stresses the importance of developing gifted children's communication abilities and briefly describes two group dynamics activities ("Circle Partners" and "Think Pink") for building listening, interpretation and discussion skills. (LH)

This textbook may be used as a supplementary text in history and English classes, or as an independent text. The selections, taken from a wide variety of sources, constitute a body of patriotic literature that will not fail to appeal to boys and girls to whom love of country, in these stirring times, is becoming a very real thing. The study helps…