Advantages and disadvantages of group discussion as a method of instruction are reviewed in this paper and criteria are suggested for determining when group discussion is or is not an appropriate instructional method. The guidelines provided take into consideration the characteristics of the students, the teacher, the group as a whole, and the…

Analyzes the level of comprehension which can be achieved by students in a teacher-less group discussion. (RB)

Discussed a program of group discussion, sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, a New York-based, non-partisan organization for world affairs education, that may have all the features needed to enhance its community service involvement with a minimum of staff and expense. (Author/RK)

The importance of class discussion following a simulation game was investigated by means of an experiment in which four classes of high school students played Ghetto for two periods. Two classes then discussed the game, while the other two were tested before any discussion of the game. The results showed the discussion to have no effect on…

Teachers can use discussion to develop critical thinking skills in gifted children at all levels. (DB)

Students are highly stimulated by social issues and are interested in establishing acceptable moral standards. Since research studies have shown that situations involving conflicting interests offer many opportunities for creative thinking, it seemed sensible to use court cases, at least from grade 3 on, to develop lively language learning…

Because Robert Lowell's poem "Hawthorne" focuses on Puritan New England, both as a setting and a subject, and shows the dark side of human nature, and Hawthorne as the alienated artist with a definite place in American literature, it is a most appropriate conclusion for a teaching unit on Hawthorne.

Alternatives to the lecture in college teaching of literature. (AA)

The article describes a parent education program based on group discussions of a videotape series, "Hugs 'n' Kids'" for abusive and high-risk-for-abuse parents. Over 200 parents have participated in the program, conducted by the San Fernando Valley (California) Child Guidance Clinic. (Author/DB)

Describes a program which was designed to improve the reading skills and broaden the reading interests of fifth grade students. Critical and higher-level thinking skills were stressed in the program, which included a reading list divided by genre and such activities as group discussions and a contest. (MES)

Whenever there is a data gathering need and a group of people have input, the group interview may be a viable approach. The authors offer a step-by-step model for conducting group interviews. (JOW)