Focus group interviewing is a qualititative research technique in which a small number of respondents and a moderator have an unstructured discussion about selected subjects. As a market research technique, it could generate new insights and provide a deeper understanding of institutional image. (MSE)

Discusses the similarities between what librarians call activity bibliotherapy and psychotherapists call poetry therapy, and the need for cooperation between these professions. The interactive aspects of bibliotherapy and the need for professional training in this process are emphasized. (CLB)

Describes how observation-writing (noncritical, written observations of a peer's writing) can be an effective technique for guiding student discussions in peer-response groups. (MM)

Seminars, characterized by high level content, interaction, discussion, and individual study and research, are an effective instructional format for gifted and talented students. Examples of seven seminar programs at both elementary and high school levels are briefly described. Stressed is the importance of the proper physical and psychological…

Presents a classroom exercise designed to illustrate the effects of structural social inequality. The exercise is based on a quiz in which students are divided into four groups and given different amounts of time to complete the test. The exercise demonstrates how high levels of determination and ability may be subordinated to the effects of…

Reports the results of an experiment which compared two types of cooperative learning with individual learning on short-term academic achievement of 84 third graders. Results showed that students of all ability levels achieved better under the two cooperative learning conditions than the individualistic conditions. Long-term retention showed…

Evaluates the comparative effectiveness of three methods for making decisions in task groups. Examines group members' satisfaction with each decision-making method and the extent to which each method builds consensus among members for decisions made by the groups. (Author/JAC)

Nominal group technique is a small group decision-making process for problem identification and resolution. Used with 55 elementary school teachers in a study funded by five National Education Association affiliates to identify significant job stressors, the method appears to be a meaningful way to involve teachers in defining their perceived…

Elements of context, which include the individual perspectives and expectations of individuals, are discussed in this article. Transcribed discussions of young adults in professional training are used to illustrate various group discussion skills. Implications for language learning are stated. (DF)

The NCEA's National Conference of Directors of Religious Education met at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and pondered the theory and practice of prayer and its implications for education today. (Author/RK)

This paper discusses an Owen Wister poem published in 1920 in "The Atlantic Monthly" and brought to the attention of a university class without any information as to its context or its references, and read in various ways by various individuals, as information about the poem's context was gradually discovered. The central issue explored…

This workbook explores ways to improve dialogue so as to enhance communication and self-knowledge. The text is divided into 7 chapters. Chapter 1 opens by asking the reader to describe what "talk" is and to relate conversations the reader had during the past week. It offers exercises on listening, and on understanding the context of…

Describes ideas and activities to facilitate group self-relevant data sharing presented at a Colorado community education conference of community school leaders and administrators. (Author/DN)

Presented a method for motivating children in their use of art materials. (RK)

Many urban residents do not have the emotional support of an adequate network of kin, friends, or neighbors. It is proposed that such persons join together into artificial extended families or family clusters. Experiences in the formation and operation of a cluster are described on the basis of participant observation. (Author)