Describes strategies for improving performance appraisal systems and examines common features of appraisal systems in large companies. Highlights include rating scales; ranking; forced distributions; tying performance appraisal to strategic business goals; frequency of reviews; development plans versus evaluation only; and group review meetings.…

Poses ethical questions related to social studies education and professional values in five case studies illustrating the six principles of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) Code of Ethics. Raises questions about the NCSS's involvement in overseeing professional ethics and encourages discussion about ethical principles. (LS)

The literature on the use of moral discussion groups to promote moral development in young people with behavior disorders is reviewed, and the use of the intervention is analyzed. Limitations and recommendations for applying the approach are discussed. (MSE)

Discusses communication with children about sexual abuse. Topics discussed include the principles of good communication, developmental parameters, the context of talking about abuse, the reliability of children as witnesses, and the setting for communication. (RJC)

Argues that time spent encouraging students to reflect about their learning is well invested. Offers four specific statements about what helps students to reflect: (1) students need relevant reasons for reflection and assurance that their reflections will be accepted; (2) students' opinions and judgments must be generally valued; (3) students need…

Discusses a method for teaching introductory physics courses that reverses the traditional sequence of instruction and is based on beginning all lecture treatments with discussions of complex, yet familiar phenomena and working backward to discussions of the simple physical laws underlying them. (Author/MKR)

This article explores the dynamics of a creative problem solving meeting which frequently reaches impasse. Excerpts from the meeting transcript are presented to determine where and why the group gets off track in developing a method to evaluate sales training. Suggestions are offered for steering the group away from win/lose arguments and into…

Documents and interprets the use of an electronic mail discussion group in a graduate elementary science education course (n=13). Feedback indicates that student interest in communication technology was piqued by the use of the discussion group and it enhanced communication and community formation. Instructor insights focus on the pedagogical and…

Characteristics and types of role-play for the language classroom are discussed. Sample activities for grades K-3 and for grades 4-6 are offered. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/LB)

This article examines the issue of scientific integrity and gives several activity suggestions and four sample dilemmas for class discussions. Reviews several famous scientific hoaxes. (LZ)

This interview of an expert in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and homicides, concentrates on the subject's experiences as a death investigator. Topics covered include the death investigator's duties, the kinds of services such an investigator provides, the different problems an investigator must solve, and a profile of homicide…

Discusses a thinking-writing-organizing technique that Kenneth Burke called the dramatistic method. Suggests that having students ask and answer a series of questions prompted by five words (who, what, where, why, and how) placed at each of the points of a star can help students think and write about works of literature. (RS)

Herbert Thelen's models of group inquiry and cooperative learning were used to teach the nursing process in a group clinical setting. The strategy proved efficient and effective, and students benefited by learning group process and having reduced stress. (JOW)

Presents a discussion among three educators focusing on using literature discussions as a vehicle for literacy and language growth in secondary and college courses. (SR)

Comparison of matriculated freshmen from 1988 and 1989 at the University of Washington found that those students participating in the Freshman Interest Group (200 students from 1988 and 435 students from 1989) were more likely to stay in a competitive course, had higher grade point averages, and were less likely to drop out of college than…