Describes a sequential approach to learning that matches levels and types of activities to the developmental level of a group at any given stage of the learning process. Emphasizes the importance of facilitators encouraging participants to reflect on learning experiences through debriefing, processing, and transfer. Includes suggestions for…

Describes a group activity that uses a tree as a metaphor to reflect both group and personal growth during adventure activities. The tree's roots represent the group's formation, the branches and leaves represent the group's diversity and capabilities, and the seeds represent the personal learning and growth that took place within the group.…

Describes a collaborative effort between a professor and a group of high school teachers pursuing an M.A. in education as they model practices for problem solving in the school climate. Addresses the theory that teachers who feel supported in their own ongoing learning and classroom practices are more committed to teaching. (Contains six…

Describes the two-day experiential, adventure-based orientation for a teacher-education program focused on developing teaching skills for collaborative learning and leadership within diverse learning communities. Participants established expectations, concerns, and ground rules before experiencing discrimination and collaboration through group…

Evidence suggests that the usual classroom practices don't work and must be replaced by something more active and involving. Group-inquiry, an untraditional approach to the classroom, is described. Small groups examine central problems of the subjects under study, then a consensus is reported to the class. (MLW)

This paper describes a project implemented in one first grade classroom to incorporate learning strategies in the process of group development of curriculum planning and development of instructional activities. The teacher used dialogue, coaching, modeling, questioning, and reinforcement with the students to make prominent the language and…

Group investigation is an organizational approach that allows a class to work actively and collaboratively in small groups and enables students to take an active role in determining their own learning goals and processes. As part of reform and restructuring efforts, Beaverton High School (Oregon) implemented the Group Investigation model with…

Problem-centered project work, involving groups who work and learn collaboratively, is an important form of instructional organization. This is especially true for students learning about the design and development of multimedia learning materials, since working as members of design teams will be an important part of the professional futures of…