Examined participation by (N=9) older adults in a literary discussion group. Results indicated that the impetus for elderly attendance was to learn. Discussed the effect of program design and location, group dynamics, and various facilitation techniques. (RC)

Results indicate a positive relationship between talking rate and leadership choice. People show the greatest liking for those with moderate levels of talking. (Author/BEF)

Examines how conceptions of what it means to read and discuss literature shaped peer-led discussions in the classroom. Explores the relationship between social and interpretive expectations in the classroom and the positions students took during literature discussions. Shows that students worked to create solidarity. Complicates the role that…

Describes a conversation among veteran women teachers exploring the people and experiences that have shaped their professional development and led them to become learners who continually reflect on and revise their practice. (TB)

Assessed college students' satisfaction with and participation in online discussions, examining the effectiveness of a simple strategy to enhance discussion relevance (renaming the discussion groups so that the titles made explicit connections to specific course assignments). Results found that students considered the online discussions somewhat…

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…