Reports a study that examined the differences between social studies achievement and self-esteem in low-income Hispanic fourth graders who participated in either cooperative or traditional learning groups. Pretesting and posttesting found higher achievement with cooperative learning. Self-esteem appeared to be higher for boys regardless of…

The design for teaching a required preservice teacher education course was changed to involve six instructors who alternated presenting course material to six groups of 30 students. In addition, cooperative learning was promoted by dividing students into subgroups of 5 who had equal responsibility for preparing an oral report. Includes student and…

Describes an approach that uses an electronic bulletin board in a large class to promote cooperation and interactivity among students both inside and outside the classroom. Concludes that this approach facilitated student-student and student-professor interactions, improved the quality of instruction, and produced a more learning-friendly…

Describes a step-by-step process utilized in an undergraduate statistics course for social science teachers. The approach emphasized basic concepts, story problems, and cooperative learning. Evaluation was provided by examinations and research papers using statistical analysis. Student improvement throughout the course was consistent and…

This study examined 26 third-grade teachers' use and evaluation of cooperative learning (CL) groups and 38 students' reactions to and verbal interactive behaviors during CL in two classes. Surveys indicated that both groups reported using CL almost daily, with many positive academic, social, and attitude outcomes. Most student interactions were…

A cooperative learning approach in business administration courses is described, including projects and activities for three course types: management science; operations management; and mathematics education. Adaptation of the activities for specific classes is discussed, and student response to the method in one institution is examined. The…

Explored students' perceptions of learning experiences in an online and a face-to-face section of the same university course. Qualitative data from students and the instructor showed the importance of peer interaction and cooperative learning environments; difficulties and benefits of Web-based instruction; and the importance of the affective…

Explores how to teach religion in the social studies classroom in public schools. Asserts that religion should be taught to educate children about beliefs that differ from their own and about the role of religion in U.S. society. Provides suggestions for teaching about religion to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. (CMK)

A study examined preservice teachers' professional "risk taking" during student teaching with regard to experimenting with cooperative learning. Classroom observations and interviews with 14 preservice teachers who were student teaching in Quebec high schools indicated that risk taking and innovation depended on support received during…

Recommends the adoption of cooperative learning techniques in history courses. Argues that cooperative learning facilitates critical thinking, democratic values, student participation, and improved retention. Illustrates this with examples from European, United States, and African American survey courses. (MJP)

Describes the use of theme cycles with a group of inner-city high school students with hearing impairments. Discusses the theoretical background of the thematic approach and describes the implementation process of a group learning cycle including false starts, question posing and data collection, teacher and student interaction, and final shared…

Discusses strategies for successful inclusion of children with disabilities in general education classrooms. Describes necessary components and practices, including cooperative learning, strategy instruction, differentiated instruction, self-determination, explicit instruction, curriculum-based assessment, generalization techniques, collaboration,…

Describes a Calculus I project in which students discover the formula for the derivative of an exponential function. The project includes two targeted writing assignments and leads to several additional problems. Together these tasks provide a basis for an algebraic approach to the exponential function. (AIM)

Provides German language activities based on the World Wide Web that help create a student-centered classroom and that give high school students practical insights into life in a foreign country, focusing on cooperative learning skills. The lesson plan includes site location, objectives, teacher preparation, and assessment. Worksheets are…

Explores the involvement and professional growth of a teacher in a professional development project entitled Simply Science. Findings indicate an increase in the teacher's pedagogical content knowledge and confidence in teaching science and a change in her views about cooperative learning strategies. Discusses implications for the design of…