Describes two electronic conferences (e-conferences) available on the Internet: e-mail-based discussion groups and Usenet news groups. Presents tips to help users of e-conferences increase the benefits of knowledge-sharing via these conferences. Sidebars present the largest library-related e-conferences, e-conferences gatewayed to Usenet, and an…

The fifth interagency conference explored ways that changes in technology, coupled with efforts to reinvent government, are redefining the policy and implementation issues of providing public access to federal information. Five groups were established to address issues and to develop recommendations; each group was divided into two sessions. Ten…

Discussion groups with dependent college women (n=177) showed the following: participant level of self-concept affected treatment change overall, and groups formatted to provide didactic and applied experiences showed more positive change. Results suggest discussion group is most productive if format combines cognitive guidelines, participant…

Describes the organization, planning, and evaluation design of a workshop involving peer-led thematic discussion groups on books for young adults, a notable author as a speaker, and a panel on promoting young adult books. A list of the theme groups and titles used is provided. (EAM)

Investigates differences in questions developed and asked by preservice teachers during literature set discussions. Finds that preservice teachers' questioning practices can be influenced by training and practice. Concludes that classroom reading instruction and students' reading achievement may be enhanced through teacher questioning practices.…

Describes a training program for classroom assistants which focused on development of reflective skills. The program used short video recordings of classroom situations followed by group discussion. A framework for evaluating the video situations and discussing them is also offered. (DB)

Looks at how Book Clubs (student-centered, literature-discussion groups where each student is reading a different, self-selected book) were structured in a particular second-grade classroom. Argues that students had opportunities for learning the academic and social content of literature while engaging in the cognitive processes and social…

Describes a method using small group and whole class discussions with guiding questions to enable teachers to construct successfully the concept of assumptions and develop a better appreciation of the nature and limitations of the process of scientific inquiry. (Author/SAH)

Describes different girls' groups and organizations and discusses how to start a girls' group in a community. Presents a sample outline of activities in a creative arts and writing group conducted at a middle school in New York City. Identifies issues to consider as a girls group develops. Includes lists of print and Internet resources. (AEF)

Evidence on the effectiveness of school-based smoking restrictions on reducing pupil smoking rates is mixed. So far, the effect of such policies has only been considered using quantitative methods and "level of enforcement" has primarily been measured according to data collected from staff. This qualitative study is based on data collected during…

This contribution examines the methodological challenges involved in defining the collaborative knowledge-building processes occurring in asynchronous discussion and proposes an approach that could advance understanding of these processes. The written protocols that are available to the analyst provide an exact record of the instructional…

This study investigated changing attitudes toward reading among elementary and secondary teacher candidates participating in in-class book group discussions in an introductory language and literacy course taught by two instructors in a medium-sized state teacher education program. Qualitative methods focused on both students' weekly self-reports…

Kathy McLellan and Tricia Suellentrop share a love of reading and a deep empathy for troubled teens, but they bring different strengths to their partnership. Suellentrop, according to McLellan, is the risk taker, the one who's "always willing to try something new and doesn't hesitate to step out there on the precipice." McLellan is the designated…

Growing numbers of school districts across North America are using study circles to build communitywide coalitions that make schools work better for everyone. Study circles are inclusive community conversations that lead directly to school or community change. They include a combination of large-group meetings and facilitated small-group…

Faculty reading groups explored the potential for creating a discussion series among departmental colleagues at a regional university. The objectives of this initiative were to enhance collegiality and to facilitate communication and consensus-building skills among peers. Two titles were read by participating faculty during sessions spanning two…