This article presents the author's response to "An Experiment in Method" by J.L.J. Wilson. In 1960-61 Wilson was invited to give lectures on "modern techniques in adult education" as part of a training school for those involved in the work of developing "Co-operatives for Aborigines" which were sponsored by the…

ORID is a structured questioning strategy including Objective, Reflective, Interpretive, and Decisional questions that has emerged as a successful adult teaching-learning technique. The ORID builds upon the tradition of the group discussion teaching method by including both the affective and cognitive domain and gives structure and substance to a…

Discussion boards have the unique capacity to support higher-order constructivist learning and the development of a learning community, This chapter provides ten conditions that support the effective use of an online discussion.

This pamphlet on leading discussions is the first of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help leaders lead a discussion group or lead one better. Ten articles and how- tos are included.…

Instructional objectives for teaching with case studies are outlined, and techniques for using case studies are described. Combinations of objectives and methods for different situations are explored, and suggestions for practitioners on effective use of different case study types, with different populations, and at different phases of management…

This paper is intended to help leaders of meetings develop a repertoire of responses that they can use to maintain control over meetings when individuals attempt, consciously or unconsciously, to dominate those meetings. The 15 most common forms of disruptive behavior are listed. The next section suggests eight tactics that a meeting leader might…

The peer self-help group approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous can be a model for other types of adult learning. The group's power, solidarity, experience sharing, and values clarification can provide positive social and educational experiences to others such as the chronically unemployed, illiterate adults, and high school dropouts. (SK)

Eduard Lindeman (1885-1953) is considered a major philosopher of adult education in the United States. Lindeman advocated the use of adult learning groups and believed that adult education was a force for constructive social action. In his most important work, "The Meaning of Adult Education" (1926), Lindeman discussed four principles of…

Simplicity study circles examine how the American preoccupation with affluence destroys individual lives, community, and the environment. Through sharing personal stories, people learn to listen and trust their own judgment. Cooperative discussions about specific problems and their causes and solutions stimulate concern for the common good, which,…

Using a brief experiential group activity called "Choosing a Color Exercise" as an introductory measure, this paper explains the basics of group dynamics and reviews the major theoretical relationships between the group's structure, the dynamics of maintenance and task behaviors, and effective individual performances. The types of functional and…

Describes the study circle concept that pioneered in Sweden during the last century. Suggests that study circles can be sustained if their usefulness for education, communication, and leadership development can be demonstrated to organizations. Offers multiple forms of study circles for organizational use. (JOW)

Study circles such as the National Issues Forums encourage members to reflect upon and discuss community and social issues and foster reasoned advocacy and informed choices. (SK)

Discusses how book clubs can function as a professional development tool for teachers, and offers advice on how a book club can become a reality. (SR)

Presents guidelines for developing group process skills in peer groups that older adults can then use to improve relationships with sons, daughters, and grandchildren. (SK)

An ecological framework for predicting citizen participation in grassroots community organizations and predicting community disorder problems (such as crime and fear) was developed and tested. The framework, which is called an ecological framework for sustainable community learning and development, delineates the relevant economic, political,…