Examines ways that issues of sexual orientation can successfully be taught in the computer-assisted composition classroom. Shows how both gay and straight students can benefit from online and networked discussions of sexual orientation. Suggests that computerized learning-spaces offer possibilities for open discussion not available in conventional…

Discusses the types of computer-mediated communications (CMC) systems now available for supporting collaboration over the Internet. Discusses alternative frames of references for understanding how the growing array of Internet tools can be applied to collaborative projects, concluding that initiators of collaborative activities need to avoid being…

Describes Book Sharing Sessions, in which struggling readers are immersed in peer discussions about books they have read. Discusses how, through this immersion and through modeling and explicit instruction, children learn to think about what is important in a book; how to convey its meaning; and how to ask questions, listen, and lead discussions.…

Illustrates how classroom talk that includes students, families, and teachers can create spaces in which students from diverse cultural backgrounds negotiate purposeful literacy practices. Presents two versions of a story of a family visit, the first version reflects an educator's understanding of the visit at the time and the second reflects the…

Describes how "remaking" successfully occurred in one classroom in which general readers were remade as gifted and talented readers. Analyzes ethnographically collected classroom discussions and student work to provide telling cases of the conditions that support the remaking of a reader. Illustrates the central relationship between individual…

Techniques for mental-health nursing students that help integrate theory and practice include a journal club, in which students discuss research reports and other literature, and clinical seminars, weekly sessions in which critical reflections on practice experiences are examined. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

The Tribal Disability Actualization Process used culturally appropriate deliberation processes and particpatory action research in considering policies for American Indians with disabilities. Talking circles on five reservations were used to achieve consensus on the needs of people with disabilities and derive community-driven solutions that are…

Suggests that literature circles can provide a stimulating and motivating method of teaching reading, and they help increase student reading performance as measured on a criterion-referenced test. Notes that when students participate in literature discussion groups their reading level and motivation can increase. (SG)

Describes an activity in which students engage in a size comparison task that replicates the symbolic distance effect: when comparing two imagined objects it takes longer to determine which one is larger if the objects have a small size difference. States that the activity can be used to introduce imagery research. (CMK)

Focuses on the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of William the Conqueror's invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Explores the issues related to violence that affect students' lives. Includes an historical narrative of the tapestry, ideas for interpreting the images, and questions that address the violence. (CMK)

Recommends using the National Council for Social Studies' ten thematic strands when teaching children about the "world of work." Provides focus questions and learning activities related to the "world of work" for each strand. (CMK)

Discusses a strategy for maintaining middle level classroom discipline by opening class discussions about the three values underlying any discipline program: respect, responsibility, and empathy. Considers class discussion of the value and flexibility of rules. (JPB)

Explores three social-studies teachers' conceptions of classroom discussion, focusing on discussion's defining characteristics and purpose and influences on usage. Data included interview and think-aloud responses and classroom observations. Teachers view discussion as recitation, teacher-directed conversation, open-ended exploration, a…

Performed two studies to examine things unsaid in group counseling. Examined categories of things unsaid, relationships between types of things unsaid, stage of group development, and gender. Found more advice and outside things unsaid during orientation-inclusion stage and more positive feeling and empathic things unsaid during affection-cohesion…

Proposes an extended form of dialog for social systems design called design conversation. Two modes of social discourse are combined: strategic dialog (communication that focuses on the specific task of seeking solutions) and generative dialog (common frame of thinking and shared meaning in a group). Describes a conversation program of the…