Outlines two reasons that issue-centered discourse will be legitimized in the schools. Contends that the impact of societal problems will force schools to deal with social issues, and that the recognition of the hidden curriculum's influence will impel schools to capitalize on the learning taking place within their walls. (SLM)

To improve resource room students' attitudes toward education, a teacher identified model special education students who could supply peer support and asked them to serve on a panel. The panel responded to students' questions about problems associated with being in resource classes and about setting and achieving reasonable goals. (JDD)

To share information with parents of resource room students, special education teachers developed programs involving panel discussions, guest speakers, films, etc. Subsequently, a program for secondary-level resource room students was also developed, with panel presentations and group discussions. Lists of discussion topics and guidelines for…

Examines the value of literature response groups by gathering information about the dialogue occurring within them. Studies the content of talk, the functions of language in use, and evidence of reading comprehension. Finds that literature response groups are a good resource for helping children communicate through talk in the classroom. (MS)

Presents a multilayered analysis of two phases of a lengthy verbal routine ("discussione") among Italian nursery school children. (Author/BJV)

Among the many teaching strategies that actively engage students are writing tasks, speaking activities, small-group activities, case-study methods of instruction, simulations, role plays, and field studies. The use of writing and small-group discussion by teaching assistants is discussed. (MLW)

Examines the role of a collaborative hypermedia system, called Multiple Users Creating Hypermedia (MUCH), in aiding students in the authoring process. Students were instructed to use the annotation facility of the system to comment on others' work. It was found that those who made comments were more likely to improve their own performance than…

Discusses how teachers can use the Socratic method of cross-questioning students to arrive at logical conclusions to help elementary school students recognize and understand differing opinions; question their own beliefs and assumptions; and learn that they can disagree without resorting to violence. (MDM)

Discusses the opportunity to unite readers of all ages by encouraging reading and discussing books on a given topic. Outlines possible topics and gives book-starter suggestions that are likely to spark broad interest such as the 1940s, World War II, or Growing Up. Suggests preparations that may be made for those who are unaccustomed to book…

Reports on a study of 64 university faculty and 1,706 students on the relationship between teacher self-disclosure and student classroom participation. Finds that teacher self-disclosure is positively associated with students' willingness to participate in class discussions. Calls for further research. (CFR)

Describes the use of the film "Breakfast Club," in a college adolescent psychology course. Relates how students study and discuss theories of moral reasoning and psychological development prior to viewing the film. Provides an opportunity for students to integrate course content while enjoying the learning process. (CFR)

Discusses a study designed to understand 11th-grade students' learning during conversations with their teacher over and about a computer-based Newtonian microworld, Interactive Physics. Illustrates that students' learning was not local but persistent, in that they used appropriate canonical science talk without teacher support. (36 references)…

Reports on English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) curriculum renewal in African secondary schools, where teachers identified student interests, posed problems for discussion, and used the language generated by the discussions to develop language learning activities. The article describes the steps in developing problem-posing lessons. (26 references)…

Provides suggestions for elementary school teachers to use shared reading experiences with their students. Notes that having teacher and students read together encourages classroom discussion, models appropriate reading behavior and pronunciation, and encourages children to think about the book or story. Other benefits of shared reading are…

Describes two drug prevention programs, highlighting aspects with potential for violence prevention and suggesting areas where peer helpers could contribute. The paper examines noninteractive and interactive programs, explaining the group process and describing how to form small groups and how peer helpers can facilitate essential interactions…