A discussion of group dynamics in collaborative learning describes use of this approach in an experimental biology course. Three approaches to group dynamics are outlined (personality and learning style, cognitive style, and group life). Identified are variables that teachers either have little power to affect, can address in course design, or can…

Examines how differences in teaching practices in middle school mathematics classrooms diminish black students' opportunities to understand, communicate, and apply mathematical ideas. A pedagogical framework of responsive mathematics instruction for black male students is described. (GR)

A study examined the influence of male and female professors' communication styles on participation rates of: a group of college students, individual students, and males and females. Analysis of videotaped seminars indicated professors' communication styles facilitated the communication climate. Communication styles influenced student…

Two studies investigated the effects of modified interaction on comprehension and vocabulary acquisition among Japanese high school students learning English as a Second Language. The studies found that interactionally modified input resulted in better comprehension and the acquisition of more new words than premodified input. (MDM)

Visiting Chinese teacher-educators observed U.S. high school science classrooms and compared U.S. and Chinese science education. Examines teaching as collective versus isolated activity, teacher- versus student-centered classrooms, deductive versus inductive reasoning, theory versus practice, active versus passive learning, book learning versus…

Overviews some current approaches and practices of the basic aspects of foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) methodology and illustrates classroom implementation of these techniques. FLES practitioners need to explore ways to appeal to students to help them retain different types of Spanish content and gain new insights into Spanish…

Describes a study in which elementary school students were required to collaborate in studying a hedgerow, producing boundaries and sketches. Results stress the importance of talk in learning. The hedgerow lesson presented an ideal situation for developing personal knowledge through the explanatory discussion of information with peers. (SM)

To determine whether men dominate language in a mixed-gender adult classroom, 4 lessons were observed and recorded at a training course for 10 supervisors in London. Men helped maintain women's silence by the competitive nature of their discourse. Men's linguistic domination is related to research on children's classrooms. (SLD)

A discussion of the second-language classroom as a fertile environment for cultural contact looks at the teacher's role and the instructional potential of various kinds of social discourse, including classroom communication, the social sciences, official and nonofficial reports, surveys, mass media, social action, and signs and symbols. (MSE)

Presents a method of transforming 15 mathematics students' questions expressing confusion and frustration into activities that (1) engage the hidden meaning behind the question; (2) open the dialog with students, and (3) provide a chance to interact with students on crucial issues of what is at stake in learning mathematics. (MDH)

To illustrate how participation in interactional sequences affects students socially and academically, the paper describes interaction in a second-grade reading lesson involving worksheet completion. Results suggest that sequential analysis offers the best methodology for observing, and generating warrantable claims about, teachers' and students'…

Presents a list of 11 advantages that hands-on science instruction has over science instruction via television. Teaching methods encourage activities that appeal to sensual stimulation, problem solving, student interests, and cooperative learning. (MDH)

Reports research on the relationship between student interaction in freshman seminar courses and instructor techniques and interaction. Results indicate that freshmen differ significantly from upperclassmen and differ somewhat from their instructors when reporting effects of certain teaching techniques on classroom participation. Students and…

College faculty and students play important roles in maintaining a tension-free, democratic, and effective learning environment for a diverse student body. Although many instructors feel unprepared to manage disruptive or harmful behaviors, they must receive training to learn to negotiate difficult dialogs, especially as the student population…

Surveys initial student perceptions of a university-level computer-assisted language learning (CALL) course. Over 100 Japanese first-year students were questioned about the influence of CALL in their language classroom and on language education in Japan in general. Their views are presented and analyzed in the context of teaching and learning…