Many well-intended instructors use Socratic or leveled questioning to facilitate the discussion of an assigned reading. While this engages a few students, most can opt to remain silent. The seven step strategy described in this article provides an alternative to classroom silence and engages all students. Students discuss a single reading as they…

Designing courses for optimal level student learning is dependent upon student participation. This study examined one way to encourage further student participation in online discussions. Of specific importance was how to encourage students to read their student-colleagues' online discussion responses: not just a minimum number of responses but…

An exercise designed to provide students with an opportunity to take responsibility for learning an assigned reading and to share ideas with their colleagues is described. The exercise also provides a safe atmosphere in which to practice communication skills, critical thinking, and decision making. (MLW)