Guidelines for talking about art with elementary students are presented. A critical factor in developing children's art talk experiences is an organized, well rounded, and well developed plan that recognizes the differences between talk about student art and more general talk about professional art. (RM)

Describes how students might be permitted to organize classroom discussion of writing. (DD)

Suggesting that properly designed and thoughtfully implemented discussion tasks can be an effective learning tool, this Digest discusses a learning-through-discussion framework that is designed to promote creativity and generate meaningful interaction and understanding for the learner. It discusses that goals of discussion and describes four…

Author developed a plan for a classroom discussion of the self which helped students enlarge on their own self-understanding and empathy for others. (Author/RK)

Suggests how controversial topics in environmental management can be rationally discussed in a classroom setting, how maximum student participation can be attained, and how to prevent instructor domination in human ecology courses. A list of controversial topics for discussion is given. (BL)

Examines effectiveness of a teachers-as-readers discussion group in (1) suggesting how teachers can use multicultural literature to foster an ethical respect for others and (2) engaging teachers in conversations about multicultural literature that challenge prevailing patterns of school literature discussions. Suggests success of the second aim…

Discusses collaborative learning and group work. Asserts that teachers often put pressure on a group so that students cannot communicate freely. Suggests changing evaluative markers from good and bad to most outrageous, most thought provoking, and most humorous, so that students' creative energy can flow. Includes transcripts of student…

Describes seven techniques that can be used as part of classroom discussions (at elementary, secondary, and university levels in a variety of subjects) to get students actively involved in discussing their ideas with fellow students. (SR)

For students, theory is often one of the most daunting aspects of sociology--it seems abstract, removed from the concrete events of their everyday lives, and therefore intimidating. In an attempt to break down student resistance to theory, instructors are increasingly turning to active learning approaches. Active learning exercises, then, appear…

Given the increasing import of asynchronous discussions to achieving learning objectives, this analysis proposes an exploratory assessment model that involves three levels of analysis, i.e., argument structure, disagreement, and interaction. The model promotes objective, systematic assessment; streamlines the assessment process; and clearly…

A Focus Group Interview (FGI) involves 6-9 people guided through a pre-thought line of questioning for 1-2 hours by a trained Moderator. The Moderator gives participants the opportunity to express ideas, thoughts, and views. This is a robust qualitative data collection method IF there is a skilled FGI Moderator. The Moderator sets the tone,…

In this article we argue that both the cognitive and situative perspectives need to be modified to account for the empirical evidence on learning, taking as a central example the problem of knowledge transfer. Our proposal is that we need an approach that takes as a unit of analysis the individual in a constructive interaction with the world…

The program for the march by librarians on America's capital for the American Library Association (ALA) conference is predictably loaded with lobbying, legislation, and DC tours. It also abounds with professional opportunity and reflects the impact of Leslie Burger, one of the most activist ALA presidents in recent history. Her "Transformation"…

The relational well-being of families is an important factor affecting a family's economic success, physical and mental heath, the readiness and success of children in school, and the engagement of youth in positive and productive roles. In short, the strength of family bonds is crucial to a family's capacity to provide, nurture, and care for its…

An innovative, practical guide for middle and high school teachers, this book is packed with specific ways that technology can help serve the goals of effective writing instruction. It provides ready-to-implement strategies for teaching students to compose and edit written work electronically; conduct Internet inquiry; create blogs, websites, and…