Describes four components of a packet of materials designed for small-group discussions on alphafetoprotein (AFP) screening for neural tube defects. Components consist of instructional guidelines for group leader, informational packet on AFP, list of specific discussion questions, and student evaluation form. Copies of these materials are…

A research study into the effects of educational television on British secondary school pupils investigated the attitude changes and other effects resulting from follow-up activities such as discussions and essay writing. Results showed that follow-up activities stimulate pupils to become more open and tentative and less dogmatic. (EAO)

Two brief scales were proposed to assess effectiveness of teaching in laboratory and seminar/discussion group classes. (Author)

Analysis of high school discussion classes revealed no "male dominance" in the rate of participation or weight of contribution. On all indices, males and females participated in proportion to their numbers in class. Differences in participation did not appear to be the result of sociocultural traits. (Author/PP)

Describes the Colonial Junto organized by Benjamin Franklin in 1727 as a discussion club to debate politics, morals, and natural philosophy, and the later American Philosophical Society which extended (and continues) the subject knowledge. The present-day Junto Center for Continuing Education in Philadelphia is an adult education information…

High school discussion classes were tape-recorded and the duration of student utterances timed. No significant difference was observed between response to teacher questions and response to declarative statements. Response to questions appeared unrelated to selected characteristics of classroom, teacher, and student. The efficacy of teacher…

Research addressing the use of small, semi-independent, task-centered student groups ("syndicates") as a classroom technique in higher education is reviewed. Focus is on the promotion of higher-order cognitive skills through the use of such groups. Related concerns include student achievement, group relations, and teacher style. (Author/JMD)

Discusses the processes, objectives, and hoped-for results of a series of film workshops. The following topics are addressed: (1) the production of short films by the group, (2) facilitation of a film club, and (3) film analysis. The contribution made by the workshops to personal development and intercultural relationships is discussed. (AMH)

No single leadership style insures success. The relationship between leader and group members is more important. Healthy, cohesive groups tend to follow a developmental scheme beginning with testing limits and ending with commitment that leads toward personal effectiveness. (JAC)

A personal assessment of changing attitudes about the skills required in the teaching of adults, gained from over 30 years' experience in one extramural department, is offered. Teacher-performer, narrative techniques, group discussion, small group learning, communication, and discovery learning are discussed. (MLW)

This article describes a procedure for group discussion between parents and adolescents on matters of human sexuality. (DB)

The author defends the progressive teaching methods of the British Primary school against recent calls for "literacy" and "evaluation." He asserts that language and writing develop best from personal exploration and student-teacher trust, not from rote learning and surveillance. (SJL)

A study shows that teacher organization of classroom work, positive reinforcement of student response, and time spent in discussion, praising student behavior, and waiting for answers influence student evaluation of teacher effectiveness. (MSE)

Describes METROPROB, a noncompetitive teaching game based on the theory of metropolitan locality-relevant problems and stressing their interactions. Discusses potential for teaching systemic analysis of urban problems and helping students think sociologically. (Author/CK)

The Danes and the Swedes have perfected a form of true community education--the study circle. Sparked by social and political issues, these discussion groups have become an integral part of the democratic process in these countries. The history, theory, and possibilities for American use are outlined. (Author/MLW)