How might one perceive the role of his or her "hevruta" partner in the "hevruta" learning relationship? Drawing on recent developments in the scholarship of rabbinics, this article offers an interpretation of a Talmudic legend that discusses three forms of interpersonal relationships in "hevruta" learning. Rather than considering "hevruta"…

This guide, a workbook and reader, is about communicating more cooperatively. The guide outlines a structured, intensive exploration of seven challenging skills for a lifetime of better communication--listening and talking--in work, family, friendship, and community. It is divided into the following sections: Introduction; Challenge One: Listening…

Recounts one teacher's experience at unsuccessfully solving spatial problems in a workshop experimenting with individualistic and cooperative learning approaches to problem solving. This humbling experience reminded the author that failure is humiliating and can arise from simply not knowing how to think about a task. All humans are "at-risk"…

This article outlines basic concepts of three prominent instructional approaches: cooperative learning, direct instruction, and learning styles. The relationship between each model and developing student thinking skills is explored; an organizing framework for assessing and synthesizing instructional models is examined; and implications for…

There has been much discussion recently of the effect that gender and learning style have on student performance. Educators have attempted to develop new teaching and assessment strategies that accommodate a variety of learning styles, and both males and females are becoming more aware of gender-related traits and their relationship to classroom…

This symposium was designed to promote the formation of an instructional system that would incorporate the best instructional methodologies. Four papers were presented, each dealing with an acknowledged approach to teaching. The first paper emphasizes the importance of effective curriculum design, a facet of direct instruction that assists…

The development of distance education will be shaped by technological, demographic, economic, and political forces, as well as by pedagogical insights from its practitioners. Technology-mediated interactive learning (TMIL), a new form of instruction, may result from the synthesis of distance education, cooperative learning, and computer-supported…

Eliciting creativity in every student in the classroom can be a realistic goal for classroom teachers. Teaching creatively can include: embracing a student-centered learning approach; using thematic approaches to content area subjects, which also promotes motivation; using a cooperative learning group process; and utilizing creative arts.…

Advocates cooperative learning as an effective tool for reaching slow learners, by bridging the gaps between the learning styles of slow learners and the teaching requirements of the classroom, resulting in improved academic performance for both slow learners and high achievers. (SR)

Learning theorist Kenneth Bruffee traces the roots of collaborative learning in American college classrooms back to the early 1970s when changing educational needs necessitated adapting conventional college classroom practices to the needs of new students. Traditional pedagogy had failed because of the growth in the number of nontraditional…

Literature circles generally involve four or five students who are actively engaged in cooperative learning. Learners choose a library book to read based on interest. The same titled paperback might be discussed by participants in the literature circle. Alternative suggestions for literature circles include choosing a library book on a similar…

Characteristics of critical thinking and creative thinking are described along with methods by which educators can encourage students in the development of these cognitive strategies. Intellectual standards applied to the critical thought process include accuracy, precision, depth, breadth, logic, and significance. Effective educators adhere to…

Teachers who use cooperative, integrated methods will produce students more competent in problem solving techniques, communicating effectively, and working cooperatively with others. Benefits of an integrated curriculum include: (1) reaching students with different learning types; (2) developing critical and divergent thinking skills in students;…

Promotes student-as-teacher strategies in general, while extending their definition to include the peer teaching arrangement usually referred to as "group study." Cloze passages and rehearsed dictee are examined as well as the theoretical suggestion that these exercises are especially apt to encourage a variety of learning styles. (six references)…

In this article, the author relates how an experience in 4th grade impacted his future career and aspirations. He emphasizes the relevance of learning, at an early age, good writing and speaking skills, the ability to ask the right questions, and the importance of learning from each other. He contends that learning from each other is a very…