Hi Larry, Yeah, I've experienced something similar, when discussion groups get of track and are just visiting and wasting time. To combat that, a time limit and expectatations for some sort of "finished product" that is either turnmed in or present to the class can help. When there is a grade associated with an activity, this tends to keep discussion on target. I think lectures are just a sppecial kind of discussion. So frequent interaction with the class (questions, comments, stories or past experiences from students) help keep the dialog moving pertinent, and active by all. Barry Westling