The ability to successfully conduct specialized conversations in stressful situations is an essential part of professional competence in a number of subject areas; however, there are few opportunities for students to practice the required skills in a realistic environment. The McGill Negotiation Simulator project was established to investigate the…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an analogy activity designed to overcome junior high school students' misconceptions about the microscopic views of phase change. Eighth grade students (N=80) were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving traditional teaching, or an experimental group participating in the…

The conflict in Bosnia (Yugoslavia) has confronted U.S. leaders with fundamental questions about the use and capability of U.S. power abroad. This document brings the decision facing the United States into the classroom. The unit features a set of four divergent options for U.S. policy toward the Bosnian conflict, and a brief account of…

A Scottish study investigated qualities contributing to or detracting from an oral foreign language test's ability to test communicative competence in conversation. The study was undertaken in French, German, and Spanish second language classes in the third and fourth years of secondary school. Pupil discourse competence was assessed during verbal…

In English-as-a-Second-Language instruction at the Semmelweiss Medical University (Hungary), the giving of prepared talks is incorporated into instruction in three forms: (1) independently-composed problem-posing presentation of a written text; (2) prepared talk on a medical topic of general interest, selected by student or teacher; and (3)…

Discusses ways in which the simulation technique can be used in classes of 30 or more students by structuring the simulation so that all the students are involved simultaneously, although in different ways. Seven stages are suggested for developing, presenting, and doing a simulation; a sample simulation is presented. (SED)

A group of seven Japanese-language Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) testers licensed by the American Council on the Teaching of foreign Languages (ACTFL) conducted research related to ACTFL-OPI criteria. They first examined 24 audiotaped interview tests to see what kind of consistency there would be when individual testers applied general criteria…

In this lesson, students role-play as members of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia that will bring to trial "Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law." Students represent the following groups: International Criminal Tribunal; Prosecution; Defense; Serbians; Croatians;…

Under Hitler, art and drama were controlled in order to serve propaganda purposes exclusively, while under the New Deal the United States succeeded in giving work to artists and writers without controlling their output. Suggests class activities to help students gain understanding of this era. (CS)

Describes a project designed to reach low-income, multiproblem families, utilizing couples therapy in the home. Reviews major characteristics of multiproblem families. Emphasized therapeutic techniques based on modeling, role playing, and demonstration. Designed tasks which increased the individual and couple functioning of spouses. Reinforced…

Examined effects of adolescents' active learning of adult-roles on classroom climate and self-esteem. An experimental class participated in the adult-role experience of teaching third-grade children at an elementary school. Results indicated a more positive perception of the classroom environment and an increased sense of self-esteem among the…

An extracurricular program in an Australian university French language program that brings together adults of varying ages and nationalities for oral language development activities is described. The program uses improvisation, psychodrama and role playing, and suggestopedia all together to develop a theme or in alternation, for creativity and…

Describes a method for helping autonomous groups work effectively on problem solving without a facilitator. Application in a British part-time course for tutors working with adult learners is described; group dynamics are discussed; evaluation methods are explained; and detailed instructions for using this method are provided in the appendixes.…

Presents secondary lessons on population growth and the social factors that influence it. Provides a simulation scenario in which students decide whether or not to raise the marital age or develop other population control policies. Includes charts, cartoons, and student work sheets. (CFR)

Meta-analysis was used to integrate findings from studies that examined the effectiveness of role playing and antiracist teaching to reduce students' racial prejudice. Analysis of data from 26 studies indicated that role playing and antiracist teaching significantly reduced racial prejudice and were similarly effective. (SM)