Groups were formed in which all members were rated previously as performing at either high or low levels of interpersonal skills during a behavioral assessment procedure. Group members evaluated each other's interpersonal behavior and their group's cohesiveness after a two-hour leaderless session. Highly skilled groups were seen as more cohesive.…

Conditions under which the use of small groups in classrooms can be productive are suggested in this paper, which moves beyond the general question of small-group learning effectiveness. Part 1 offers a review of recent studies of interaction in cooperative groups, focusing on the following themes: interaction and achievement; task and…

Twelve graduate students from a variety of fields who were enrolled in a qualitative research class met in an informal setting that facilitated a collaborative learning mode--defined in this presentation as a method of group interaction whereby all members learn from each other's experiences, scholarship, and skills. The first of the six papers…

Seventy-seven fourth- and fifth-grade students were placed in either a cooperative or a competititve learning structure and the teacher either supported or did not support their decision-making competence. As hypothesized, students whose teacher supported them indicated that they were more confident and committed to making a classroom decision…

This workbook presents guidelines and information on the use of cooperative learning (an instructional technique that requires students to work together in small, fixed groups on a structured learning task) and the development and implementation of student learning teams in postsecondary education. The workbook covers: (1) a definition of…

This handbook on participative learning is designed for workers involved in community and adult education programs, staff development, and youth, community, and social work organizations. The introduction explores a theoretical basis for participative learning and defines terms. Chapter 1 examines program planning issues and includes some useful…

The relationship between cooperative learning in staff development programs and the practice of collegial interaction is examined. Thirteen administrators and supervisors from one school district participated in a staff development program that stressed a cooperative learning method. Methodology involved a comparison of participant and control…