Orientation, in terms of the group discussion process, is the attempt to assist in achieving the group goals by using facts, making helpful suggestions, or resolving conflicts. Orientation behavior has been shown to relate in a causal manner to group consensus. This study reports significantly high positive correlations between orientation…

Depth core discussion is designed to provide a mechanism for interaction between students and instructor with the express purpose of integrating the cognitive objectives of the leadership course for the United States Naval Academy (see the final reports which summarize the course development project, EM 010 418, EM 010 419, and EM 010 484) with…

Describes booktalk program at Miller Avenue School (Shoreham, New York) designed to encourage children to view reading as a pleasurable experience. Reading guidance and assistance, background information, choice of books for booktalk collection, selections by students and leaders, conducting the program, stages of transition, and key factors for…

This case study describes the use of World Wide Web discussion pages and examines the evaluation of online communication protocols in one graduate class. The study begins by describing the theories and grounding literature that guided the development of the online discussion site. The study also describes the process used to develop the online…

Based on the view that strengthening families and neighborhoods can improve the life chances of vulnerable children, this discussion guide is designed to help communities participating in study circle programs to bring people from all segments of the neighborhood together to share different views and experiences, thereby building stronger…

This paper explores the role of instructional scaffolding in the development of undergraduate students' understanding of mathematical proof during a one-year discrete mathematics course. We describe here the framework adapted for the analysis of whole-class discussion and examine how the teacher scaffolded students' thinking. Results suggest that…

Creating a nonthreatening atmosphere, drawing out introverted participants, and relating the lessons of programmed activities to everyday life are a few of the challenges of quality processing (debriefing). At times, alternative methods of processing open doors when straightforward questioning does not. In some instances, alternative methods serve…

A report of classroom activities intended to alleviate the day-to-day communications problems" which students face. (Author/RD)

Several attempts by the author to improve his small group teaching sessions are described and their advantages and drawbacks are discussed. Focus is on his preferred approach, which uses a pattern system to enable students to participate in the structuring of the discussion. (Author/JMD)

Two Northfield (Minnesota) high school English teachers taught their students to lead discussions using Paideia seminars. They found that students created quality discussion questions, participated more frequently and with less anxiety in discussions, found meaning in their readings by sharing ideas in small groups, and took control of their own…

Advocates that dialogue is a tool that transforms those that are involved in it and that it can create or improve relationships. Claims that Catholic schools should teach students how to have effective dialogue skills. Gives seven suggestions on how Catholic schools can change the status quo by nurturing dialogue. (MZ)

Looks at issues of gender equity that are important to teenagers, showing how students' thoughts and feelings can be used as reference points in the social studies classroom. Suggests class discussions on work equity, gender communication, and intervention strategies. Reminds teachers that they must act as positive role models. (LS)

Describes alternative form of evaluation that enables the teacher to assign a grade to students problem-solving skills as they participate in a discussion to solve a problem. Discusses room arrangement, the role of the audience, grading, and secondary benefits of the method. (MDH)

Suggests a classroom strategy to help students learn to analyze and discuss significant issues from history and current policy debates. Describes scored discussions in which small groups of students receive points for participation. Provides an example of a discussion on gold mining. Includes an agenda. Explores uses of scored discussions and…