The sentiments grew more blunt in small-group discussions seeking ideas for both fighting terrorism and "draining the swamp" of poverty that can breed terrorists.

That was followed by a series of small-group discussions, which Ms. Dynia called "a very important way of looking at needs in a large organization."

The conference led talks for communities and cast members on the play's issues; similar small-group discussions take place for audiences after performances.

After the program, students participated in small-group discussions held in dormitories, intended to enable students to personalize issues raised by the speakers.

Each employee will get the training in a one-day session that will include "a lot of small-group discussions," she said.

Television cameras captured every moment of this small-group discussion, in what was presented by Communist officials as a peek at the party's internal deliberations.

Eventually, responsibility for leading the small-group discussions of the text and the strategies is handed over to the students.

Methods for auditory learners include repeating words aloud, small-group discussion, debates, listening to books on tape, oral reports, and oral interpretation.

Martin started a reading project for incoming students, recruiting more than 200 faculty volunteers to lead small-group discussions with new students.

At the conference, according to the Soviet students attending, lectures alternated with small-group discussions, at which attendance was strictly enforced.