Using 77 junior high school students in two mathematics classes, this study investigated sex differences in interaction patterns and achievement in small cooperative learning groups. Results related to the male-female ratio in a group. Explanations for these results and consequences for group composition in the classroom are discussed. (BS)

The past 20 years have seen a tremendous increase in the use of peer-directed collaborative group work both in classroom instruction and in assessments to give students an opportunity to learn from each other. Using examples drawn from a program of peer learning in middle school mathematics, this paper identifies a set of helping behaviors that…

Outlines steps necessary for students to learn how to use one another as resources for doing mathematics, including preparation for group work, fine tuning communication and cooperation skills, and developing helping skills. Includes a "good helper" and "good help receiver" checklist. (Contains 14 references.) (MKR)

Compared effects on achievement and verbal interaction of a cooperative learning instructional program promoting basic communication skills and academic helping skills (experimental condition) with those of a program promoting only basic communication skills. Results with 166 seventh graders show more elaborated help and higher achievement for…

Examines the mechanism of helping behavior, specifically, the exchange of explanations about the content being learned, describing conditions that must be satisfied for help to be effective and discussing the responsibilities of the help-seeker, help-giver, and teacher. Examples come from a study of a semester- long program of peer learning in…

Collaborative peer learning environments have received increasing attention in classrooms due to the potential for improving learning and achievement. Yet previous research shows that not all students benefit from the collaborative experience. This paper explores the nature of helping behavior within peer-directed small groups that may be most…

This study examined the behaviors and experiences of students who needed assistance while working in peer-directed small groups on mathematics problems and the processes that helped or hindered their learning. Students in 4 seventh-grade classes worked in heterogeneous small groups throughout a 3-week unit on operations with decimal numbers.…