Describes an approach to training higher education students to work and communicate more effectively in groups developed at Manchester Metropolitan University. (EV)

Outlines an exercise the author has successfully used in literature classes to promote discussion. Describes how students engage in a pen-and-paper exchange of short, thoughtful responses to a particular topic. Notes how this exercise allows (and requires) every student to "speak" at the same time through writing, and that in ensuing class…

This paper describes a proportional reasoning problem set within a real-life context and a complete analysis of one small group discussion of this problem over the course of a 90-minute block. The seventh-grade students' discourse is described to provide insights into typical mathematical interpretations of this problem, as well as some…

Although students read about relational turning point analysis in some interpersonal communication textbooks, they regard it as an abstract concept until required to apply it to their own lives. Through group discussion, as other group members supply important events that an individual student might not consider, students are able to carefully…

A quality circle is a problem-solving method with emphasis on analytic thought, a task-structured group process, school and community issues, implementation of an action plan, and evaluation of results. Circles develop not only the gifted students' analytic thinking skills but also their responsibility and leadership skills. (Author/CL)

This February 2002 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) Skills and Learning Discussion Paper Released: What you need to know!; (2) Knowledge Matters: A Section-by-Section Review; (3) The Government Plan - What's Next?; and (4) MCL's Action Plan--What's Next? (Contains 11 footnotes.)

The author presents guidelines for discussing books with students, but notes that the most important part of sharing books is reading aloud. (2 references) (SJ)

A program at the Federal Reformatory, El Reno, Oklahoma, in which young inmates read and discuss significant literature in courses developed by the American Institute of Discussion. (LY)

The author gives his views on the nature and justification of class discussion, along with implications for class management, participant involvement, and the evaluation of learning. Three references. (LY)

Explains why Internet groups are a good medium for retrieving and exchanging information. An example of the use of netgroups to obtain information on the Gulf War of 1990-91 is given; the benefits of the informal nature of netgroups are discussed; and a mediated discussion group, Humanist, is described. (LRW)

The purpose of this article is to offer a critical discussion of the practice turn in contemporary educational research. In order to make the discussion specific, I use two influential theories, namely activity theory and situated learning theory. They both turn to the notion of practice in order to overcome the limitations of mentalist and…

The aim of this project is to study the quality of the discussions in groups of students during laboratory work. The project builds on a study of the role of communication in science classrooms with students aged 14-15 years. An intervention with role-playing for example reporting to another group is carried out to foster discourses that focus…