This paper focuses on the factors that are likely to play a role in individual learning outcomes from group discussions, and it includes a comparison featuring test-enhanced learning. A between-groups design (N = 98) was used to examine the learning effects of feedback if provided to discussion groups, and to examine whether group discussions…

Purpose: This paper aims to report the results of implementation of blogging within a LinkedIn discussion group in an international marketing course for a multicultural group of students focusing on the students' perceptions of the subject-related blogging. Design/Methodology/ Approach: This study adopts a qualitative approach; data have been…

The purpose of this article is to analyse how humour and narratives about humour are used in a natural group of adults with Asperger's syndrome. Narratives about humour and use of humour in the group are analysed from a discursive psychological perspective, informed by insights from both disability studies and critical autism studies. The setting…

This report is an outline of the content of a 3-year project which is divided into seven phases. Through a review of the literature and interviews with circle leaders, Phase I investigates what knowledge exists on study circles. Phase II presents information on the educational psychology of the study circle gathered through questionnaires,…

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of three computerized interventions on the reading skills of children with reading disabilities in Grade 2. This longitudinal intervention study included five test sessions over 1 year. Two test points occur before the intervention, and three afterwards. The last follow-up was conducted 1…

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)

At Dalarna University, Sweden, modes of communication are offered at many points of Kenning's continuum with a web-based learning platform, including asynchronous document exchange and collaborative writing tools, e-mail, recorded lectures in various formats, live streamed lectures with the possibility of text questions to the lecturer in real…

Folk high schools, study circles, labor market training, union education, and municipal adult schools are the major providers of adult education in Sweden. For the most part, these programs are financed by the government and are tuition free. Folk high schools, which are the oldest type, were founded to provide young adults with a general civic…

Covering Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland in turn, this comparative survey of mass adult education in Scandinavia provides a historical and descriptive background on each country, followed by the development and present situation of folk high schools, cooperatives, university extension, correspondence study, labor education, mass media, and…

The Danes and the Swedes have perfected a form of true community education--the study circle. Sparked by social and political issues, these discussion groups have become an integral part of the democratic process in these countries. The history, theory, and possibilities for American use are outlined. (Author/MLW)

The Project for Enhancing Effective Learning (PEEL) is a well-established Australian example of teacher collaborative action research. The aim of the project, which began in a secondary school in Melbourne, Victoria (Australia) and later spread to other countries, is to improve the quality of students' classroom learning through practice in…

The study circle concept, now almost a century old, is by far the most popular form of adult education in Sweden. Swedish study circles are sponsored by 10 national educational associations that receive substantial annual subsidies from the national government. Together with 140 folk high schools (residential adult programs), university short…

Distance Educational Practice is today supported by a range of information systems (IS) design theories. Still, there are surprisingly few strong pedagogical ideas and constructs that are communicated across distance educational institutions. Instead it is often the technology, the software and the medium that is at the centre of attention as we…

The chief components of Swedish formal adult education are (1) independent lectures, which stress popularization of public affairs and of selected aspects of culture, science, and technology; (2) the folk high schools, whose object is to impart to young adults a general and civic education; (3) special schools operated by the popular movements;…

IN AN ATTEMPT TO EVALUATE THE INFLUENCE OF ADULT EDUCATION ON SWEDISH POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, INFORMATION WAS GATHERED ON THE EDUCATION OF POLITICAL AND LABOR LEADERS. AMONG MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, 66 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL, 79 PERCENT OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS, 87 PERCENT OF AGRARIANS, 41…