This much-needed guide provides the specific skills and materials necessary to facilitate effective dialogues across identity differences. We are living through arguably one of the most divisive times in our country and the world. People do not know how to communicate across differences in a way that advances the public good--from the…

This study investigated the dynamics of complex interactions within inquiry-based (IB) discussions by visualizing patterns using social network analysis. Researchers explored network measures when learners participated in inquiry-based discussions with Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) and non-PIM questions while playing the weekly moderator's role.…

Establishing a communication-rich classroom can be difficult. This article describes the process and findings of a practitioner action research study addressing the question of how teachers can interact with their students while they are working in groups to encourage and enhance student-to-student communication. Recommended research-based teacher…

Describes structured discovery approach to inquiry teaching which encourages the teacher to select instructional objectives, content, and questions to be answered. The focus is on individual and group activities. A brief outline using this approach to analyze Adolf Hitler is presented. (KC)

Biographies can be used for the enrichment of secondary education social studies classes. Two strategies are presented for helping students to understand the nature, appeal, limitations, and applications of biographies in the social studies. (CJ)

A procedure is outlined by which all students, not just one spokesman, report back to the class on small group projects, thus increasing participation in class discussions. (SJL)

Advantages and disadvantages of group discussion as a method of instruction are reviewed in this paper and criteria are suggested for determining when group discussion is or is not an appropriate instructional method. The guidelines provided take into consideration the characteristics of the students, the teacher, the group as a whole, and the…

Alternatives to the lecture in college teaching of literature. (AA)

Suggests that the short story, because of its brevity and simplicity of construction, is often more suitable than the novel for classroom discussion. (HOD)

Describes a group project from a course on rural, countercultural communitarians' attempts to create utopian communities. Explains that the project gives students the opportunity to integrate material from a variety of sources and to apply it to a group term paper. Suggests that the project utilizes experiential methods for learning abstract…

This article discusses the National Issues Forum (NIF), a national, nonpartisan program designed to encourage citizen discussion of important public issues. The programs try to recreate the town meeting concept of reaching consensus on public issues. Short workbooks are available on two reading levels for issues such as the superpowers, crime,…

The author presents a series of eight lessons designed to teach the skill of communicating ideas through discussion. The importance of an accepting atmosphere is emphasized, along with the teacher's role as a model. (CL)

Describes and gives sample of using Guided Design as an instructional strategy for English-as-a-second-language classes with two main objectives: (1) teaching subject matter, and (2) teaching decision-making skills. Goals achieved include using class time for speaking, freeing the teacher to observe individual student errors, and planning later…

Discusses the use of an advertising symbol to demonstrate levels of meaning a symbol may have. (TJ)

Presents a list of books designed to stimulate thought and lively discussion on feelings and emotions that concern children most. The article offers suggestions on how teachers should use the books in class. (SM)