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…

Interpretive Structural Modeling (a decision-making methodology) and Nominal Group Technique were used to study the creative activities of five artists. The group interviews and discussions resulted in three models of creativity, all stressing the simultaneity and interdependence of various creative processes. (DB)

Presents, as a complement to the essay, "Frontier Justice versus the Rule of Law," a lesson plan for teaching about intolerance. Sets out objectives, procedures, discussion questions, and a hypothetical case for role playing. Includes suggestions for using local history. Proposes a "what if" exercise based upon the…

Reviews and critiques a recent pedagogical book entitled "Exploring Texts: The Role of Discussion and Writing in the Teaching and Learning of Literature." Considers how this book might prove useful for secondary English teachers. Provides citation and detailed analysis of the book. (HB)

Outlines the Conversational Discussion Group framework, an approach to help teachers shift from traditional, teacher-led discussions to peer discussions about literature. Discusses several questions that teachers ask as they make this shift from centralized discussion structures. (SR)

Presents effective techniques for leading productive classroom discussions, noting that the techniques increase teachers' and students' abilities to speak and listen. Discusses creating a supportive classroom climate, including all students, and using instructional language. (SR)

Offers guidelines for classroom work in which children respond to literature in richly supportive discussion groups where they socially construct meaning and in which children revisit texts to develop specific literacy skills: select a book, encourage connections, read aloud, write a response to the story, have a discussion, revisit the story for…

Looks at the features of teacher-guided discussions of literature that led elementary students toward constructing a theme for a story. Shows how students can profitably explore theme in the literature they are reading and provides an alternative to the directed reading activity format that has become typical of small group reading instruction.…