Initial results of this study of post-graduate students using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as part of their course showed that both distance and face-to-face students, native speakers (NS) and non native speakers (NNS), working collaboratively on the same course through the VLE, had comparable outcomes on essay assignments and that NNS and…

The article describes a program which provides parents and hearing-impaired children with information concerning postsecondary options and upcoming developmental stages. The community outreach program involves hearing-impaired college students at the University of Akron (Ohio) in meetings with hearing-impaired high school students and with parents…

Describes a series of lessons used with a year-five class which encouraged the use of analogical reasoning in problem solving and giving attention to students' awareness of strategies and applications. Students were encouraged to discuss and question their own thinking to make connections among the problems being solved. (MKR)

This study used direct observation procedures to analyze communicative intent and subsequent frequency of turntaking between four adults with developmental disabilities and their residential staff. Results suggest that in group discourse, questioning-type speech may set the occasion for a greater number of subsequent conversational turns than does…

Examines the benefits of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for end-user group decision making. An experiment was conducted which required groups to reach a consensus on human resource-related decisions. The results of the experiment provide implications for the use of group DDS in organizations and for future study. (Author/AEF)

Modification mitigates negative feedback by immediately attempting to improve the feedback's level of acceptability. This article introduces modification as a group-leader skill necessary for the processing of messages containing both counterproductive and productive elements. Describes the value and application of modification in group work. (RJM)

Describes the Online degree program at the University of Phoenix which recently graduated the first class of MBAs (Masters of Business Administration) to have obtained their degrees via this distance education program. Discussion of telecommunications includes descriptions of interactive group conferences and methods of measuring students'…

The study, with 55 mildly and moderately disabled elementary students, investigated the effectiveness of teacher-developed goals and monitoring systems versus a curriculum-based measurement (CBM) system and of individual expert versus group follow-up consultation. Groups employing CBM and group consultation generally out performed the other…

Developmental issues, short-term solutions for children's conflicts, and goals for conflict resolution training are discussed. A step-by-step approach for teachers to use in working through a conflict with children is included, as is a list of children's books that deal with conflict resolution. (LB)

Examines the benefits of group discussion in English classrooms. Demonstrates how small group discussion yields qualitative learning among participants and enhances questioning skills. Advocates the growth and challenge that can come from such activities. Provides student discussion transcriptions. (HB)

This article reviews the history of approaches to the individualization of instruction, from earlier "system-controlled" methodologies to the current multimedia/hypermedia-based "learner-controlled" approaches. One aspect of a suggested research agenda is discussed--the support of computer-based learning exercises by means of electronic networking…

Summaries of six language-related research projects are presented from Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Topics include English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) textbook evaluation, translatability of Filipino texts, group discussions in Thai junior colleges, bilingual language, and children's reading development. (LB)

Discussions conducted with people with visual impairments indicated that clients undergoing mobility training first need to overcome inhibitions, stress, and anxieties, which are influenced by the timing of and their readiness for mobility training, insufficient information about mobility, feelings of isolation and helplessness, and lack of…

The article examines the value of support groups for siblings of children with disabilities, discusses their implementation and evaluation, and proposes activities for six sessions of a sibling group. (DB)

Small-group instructional diagnosis uses an outside facilitator to elicit college student feedback on instruction. At Purdue University (Indiana), the technique has been successfully used in 46 departments. It is usually conducted at midterm, is nondirective, is oral, uses consensus, tends to produce honest responses, and is externally controlled.…