Discusses various cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court during the 1999-2000 term concerning criminal law, the First Amendment, grandparent visitation, and other close cases. Includes a section featuring teaching activities and discussion questions by Michelle Parrini and Jennifer Kittlaus. (CMK)

Reviews some of the current approaches for assessing asynchronous interaction. Describes an approach to assessing the contributions of students to an asynchronous forum (WebBoard) based on social constructivist learning theory. Presents a taxonomy of computer mediated discourse organized by the Simmons levels of assessing reflective thinking. (AEF)

Describes how improving mathematical arguments improves classroom discourse through a classroom activity. (YDS)

Focuses on how lawmakers often ignore the category of adolescence in favor of an approach that sees only childhood or adulthood. Discusses age grading, issues in juvenile justice, and the developmental approach. Explains how juvenile justice can be improved by addressing adolescent development. (CMK)

Focuses on the questionnaire results and class discussion with Acadia High School (Scottsdale, Arizona) students, aged 16 to 19 years old, exploring the aesthetic values present at shopping malls. Explains that students were also invited to meet in the mall to locate and photograph examples. (CMK)

Describes a literature discussion group consisting of eleven social studies representatives involved in a discussion of children's multicultural literature and articles. Focuses on story as a resource for exploring diversity and for sharing personal experiences and responses with others. Includes the discussion group's schedule and a list of…

Describes the oral, written, and visual arts responses of a group of Grade 1 children. Discusses first grade children's understandings of and responses to several Radical Change characteristics and metafictive techniques found in David Wiesner's "The Three Pigs" (2001), the 2002 Randolph Caldecott Medal winner. Explores the nature of the…

Describes a year-long study in a combined fourth- and fifth-grade classroom that observed student participation in literacy learning activities. Notes that as students participated in reading, writing, and talking about quality literature, they learned to make sense of texts by using contextual clues and connecting the reading to their own…

Explored the relationship between asynchronous, text-based forms of social communication and students' perceptions of the social climate of computer conferences based on questionnaire responses from the University of Alberta's distance education courses. Discusses setting the climate for discussion; a taxonomy of social expressions; and directions…

Reports on results of offering face-to-face discussions to students in a computer-based introductory psychology course. Authors found scant research on the inclusion of discussion in computer-based classes. Of 210 students registered in the class, only 17 indicated an interest in extra-credit discussion sessions. Participants' course outcomes…

Focuses on a nationally run reading and discussion program called "Let's Talk about It" as an example of the kind of community outreach program that universities could employ to the mutual advantage of institutions and the public that they serve. (RS)

A group of eight educators and one law student discusses the most recent changes in the Scholastic Aptitude Test content and format, which will include a reasoning test and a battery of subject tests. Comments focus on general reactions, specific additions and deletions, test bias, implications for admissions, and coaching. (MSE)

Evaluated long-term effectiveness of three cost-effective parent training programs for conduct-problem children. Assessed parents (N=154) one year posttreatment. Found significant improvements reported immediately posttreatment were maintained one year later. Found few differences between three treatment conditions excepting "consumer…

Presents four brief articles which describe (1) ideas for teaching vocabulary through cooperative learning; (2) ways to include discussion in sustained silent reading; (3) an artistic prewriting activity; and (4) the effects of background television viewing on studying. (RS)

Introduces a teaching technique,"You Be the Judge," in which three U.S. Supreme Court cases that focus on discrimination are used to explore the court rationale. Focuses on the criteria set out by the court as proof of discrimination, and allows the students to argue and discuss the issues in the classroom. (NL)