Describes a discussion on child advocacy that the author initiated among fifth graders. Children were surprised at being asked for their opinion on improving their educational situation. Their main problem was getting adults to listen. Advocacy, as one child affirmed, is a matter of making a case carefully, vividly, compellingly so that others…

Presents a variety of reading, writing, art, and discussion activities to keep students interested in studying "Romeo and Juliet." Describes using the film version of the play as a companion piece to unify the oral reading. (RS)

"Phi Delta Kappan" conducted 28 public forums exploring participants' views about public schools' purposes, effectiveness, and needed changes. Once engaged, community members were enthusiastic about discussing public schools' future, indicated they left the forums better informed, and found the three-question format productive. Planners…

Presents a case study of the online literature discussions of undergraduate children's literature students in geographically distant classrooms. Notes that with their digital conversations, students constructed a text in which diverse voices were heard and engagement with the social and political issues raised in the literature was deepened.…

Notes that both texts tell the story of a young Puerto Rican girl who moves to the mainland United States. Discuss methods for facilitating personal connections. Offers suggested discussion questions and essay topics in relation to each major theme discussed. Concludes that these two texts are also ideal vehicles for introducing Puerto Rican…

Notes that sociocultural theory establishes that understanding the concepts that govern discussion in particular contexts is crucial. Considers which different instructional arrangements might affect students' conceptions. Asks students to write about the discussions they had during a unit on contemporary poetry. Varies the format of the…

Notes that there is consistent evidence that individuals tend to be dissatisfied with their relationships if they report that topics are frequently avoided in those relationships. Compares the utility of two explanations--perceptual and interpersonal processes--with data gathered from heterosexual college dating couples and parent-child dyads.…

Discusses computer-supported collaborative learning and reports findings of college students' use of two Web-based discussion forums to supplement face-to-face instruction. Reports on student-initiated reflection and integration of perspectives through concessions and oppositions to postings of their peers, and emphasizes the importance of…

Notes that a positive impact of the development of academic content standards is that the movement has caused educators to start talking to each other. Proposes that another change resulting from the standards movement is that it removes the textbook from the center of curriculum development. Argues that using standards can create individuality…

Describes how "speedwriting" requires that all learners become actively engaged in their own learning because, rather than generating ideas orally, students are instructed to write down all their ideas as quickly as they can. Considers how the social engagement of discussion and the sharing of ideas during the writing phase drew even the…

According to D. W. Merrill's schema, 60 percent of teachers fall into the "director" and "amiable" personality trait categories. Studies have shown that a high percentage of students find such teachers' methods somewhat ineffective. Class activities, such as putting a play's central character on trial, accommodate various learning styles. (JD)

The National Issues Forum's Literacy Program uses study circles and group discussion to promote empowerment and enhance adult literacy through civic education. The program has helped the Westonka (Minnesota) Adult Basic Education project accomplish its mission and has expanded the staff's view of adult learning. (SK)

Twenty hearing-impaired adolescents were taught idiomatic expressions using captioned videotape presentations followed by classroom discussion, or by extended classroom discussions. Improvement in understanding idioms was significantly greater under the videotape method. (Author/JDD)

Investigates the effect of cooperative completion of a cloze passage with subjects who are relatively sophisticated in both language use and group interaction strategies. Finds that groups produced more responses than individuals; gave fewer idiosyncratic or illogical responses; attended to larger chunks of text; and used every available clue. (RS)

Reviews eight 1988 American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults in which literacy contributes to identity building and daily functioning of the characters. Presents discussion, writing, speaking, and listening techniques to enhance students' engagement in literacy through reading these books. (RS)