This article discusses literature circles and how to use them effectively with English Language Learners (ELLs) at the middle level. The focus of literature circles is to combine literacy skills and strategies in a supportive social atmosphere of a non-threatening peer group. All students need teacher modeling if literature circles are to work…

This article describes the Early Braille Readers Project, which provided a Mountbatten Pro Brailler and peripheral equipment to 20 kindergarteners, first-, and second graders in Texas. The project included training and support in the form of site visits and teacher training for both teachers of students with visual impairments and classroom…

Describes a public library outreach program for institutionalized senior citizens, including the rationale, local environment, management of the program, and individual literacy discussion sessions. The many positive results both to the participants and to the library are described. An annotated list of materials tested in several group situations…

This description of the activities of the Teachers of Children's Literature Discussion Group of the American Library Association highlights a newsletter, distribution of course syllabi, conference programs, and the findings of a survey of group members. The survey questionnaire covered basic emphases, teaching methods, satisfactions, problems, and…

The academic achievement of health sciences students whose discussion group was led by staff teachers was compared with those whose group was led by peers. Higher achievement was found in the staff-led group, but there was no difference in achievement in groups led by high-achieving and average-achieving students. (MSE)

The literature program promotes students' language development, positive self-concept, and mental health skills through fluent communication with a deaf student adviser leading weekly discussion/storytelling for students from kindergarten through high school. Teachers report, among other positive effects, that the deaf educator is an excellent…

Suggestions are given for activities to celebrate Foreign Language Week, including public awareness exhibits, teacher involvement, food-related activities, sports, festivals and fairs, round tables and discussions, library involvement, planning and organizing techniques, and publicity efforts. (MSE)

An experiment was designed to find out whether there were any quantitative and qualitative differences in the spoken discourse of 'high' and 'low' ability 16-year-old pupils in discussions of problems arising from textual material. Cognitive, linguistic and quantitative analyses of the discourse were carried out. (Editor)

Many counselors do not use groups in counseling because they lack applied skills or are discouraged by past failures. Practical suggestions for effective group leadership are discussed in the context of mutual sharing, discussion groups, educational groups, problem-solving groups, growth groups, and therapy groups. (Author/BEF)

Describes a structured discussion approach to ongoing in-service programs where faculty members mutually solve common instructional problems. (MKM)

The Southeastern Veterinary Surgical Association (SVSA) was formed in 1977 to allow surgeons and anesthesiologists in the veterinary schools of the South and Southeast an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. The organization of the Association is described and a copy of the program for September 1979 is provided. (Author/MLW)

Seven older adults and 20 occupational therapy students participated in book discussions. Focus groups and journal analysis indicated that discussions helped develop rapport and relational links between book topics and participants' experiences. Reciprocal learning expanded each generation's perceptions of the other. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)

Outlines how students can use creative problem solving to define, analyze, and improve classroom discussion. Demonstrates the importance of a fact-finding discussion and taping to clarify individual and group characteristics. Identifies techniques students can employ to learn more about themselves and about more cooperative discussions. (KEH)

Guidelines for involving students with learning disabilities in classroom literature circles include demonstrating literature discussion, introducing and forming the circles, modifying requirements for students with low reading abilities, building group skills, managing group discussion, and having students keep response journals. (DB)

Maintains that psychologists have made considerable efforts to improve their teaching. Describes an interdisciplinary group that meets to discuss issues related to instructional improvement. Outlines the group meeting format, discussion topics, and benefits of participation. (CFR)