A cooperative learning model was used in Florida to change the state-mandated grade 12 course called Family Life and Sex Education, which had been found deficient in meeting students' educational and social needs. Pretest data before the change in model indicated a lack of knowledge that had a detrimental effect on thinking and problem-solving…

This monograph discusses learning communities in the context of community colleges, presents the challenges and benefits of learning communities, provides examples, and outlines the steps for a community college to follow in initiating a learning community. In part 1, the authors discuss the educational context in which learning communities have…

This practicum was designed to use directed writing strategies to teach writing skills to middle grades language arts students who frequently failed to make average or above scores in essay writing assignments. The program included three specific strategies. The first strategy was to teach higher-order thinking and metacognitive strategies related…

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends that the size of physical education class be consistent with those of other subject areas (e.g. maximum 1:25 for ES, 1:30 for MS, 1:35 for HS) for safe and effective instruction. When students with special needs are included in regular physical education classes, their…

Discusses a computer-assisted instruction study that examined the impact of group composition on student achievement, time on task, and group interactions when completing integrated learning system (ILS) math activities in cooperative pairs. The study paired elementary school students homogeneously or heterogeneously based on ability. (Author/LRW)

A study investigated how advantages of collaborative learning can be extended and deepened when team teachers consciously model collaborative behaviors and values they seek to encourage in students. Specific behaviors modeled are described and classroom results discussed. Evidence indicated that students observed teachers closely and were affected…

Presents methods and outcomes of a semester-long course involving cooperative hypermedia authoring and instructional strategies for preservice teachers. Posttest findings revealed that participants showed a decrease in computer anxiety through their involvement in the course, and the lowest levels of anxiety were associated with graduate rank and…

Presents findings from 55 team portfolios representing the field experiences of 285 preservice teachers grouped into teams to present technology-supported lessons in K-12 classrooms. Results indicated that preservice teachers were surprised at the disparity between educational technology practice in contemporary classrooms and their preconceived…

Provides a model for task computing for fifth graders that meets educational technology goals and challenges students to take full advantage of available hardware and software. Highlights include task rotation; assessment; benefits, including integrating technology into the classroom, computer literacy skills, peer tutoring, cooperative learning,…

Describes studies appropriate for classroom application, showing that nonverbal teacher expectations can be communicated across cultural boundaries, cooperative learning can be implemented schoolwide with no loss of achievement in some areas and gains in others, analogies of target problems stimulate student thinking more effectively when in…

Case study of implementation of the Project Adventure curriculum in the physical education programs at two urban alternative elementary schools focuses on perceptions of two physical education teachers. Discusses teachers' goals and practices related to developing student self-esteem, social skills, responsibility, enjoyment of learning, cognitive…

Proposes an approach to teaching reasoning through classroom conversation that integrates group work around computers into curriculum-related activities. The article examines research on collaborative learning and describes a program in which the computer is used to direct children's explicit, joint reasoning in curriculum-related activities. (79…

This article argues that critical meeting facilitation skills support a collaborative group approach to working and learning, and that a computer-based technology, Group Support Systems (GSS), is a useful tool. Use of GSS with the case study method is offered as an example of blending technology and skills to teach people to work together more…

Discusses the use of cooperative learning activities in interactive distance learning classes at the University of Hawaii School of Library and Information Studies. Topics include dyad and small group discussions, group projects, evaluating cooperative learning on interactive television, effect on academic performance, students' evaluation, and…

Recommends application of social learning theory to medical education in ambulatory care settings, including preceptor attention to orienting and creating legitimate and appropriate roles for learners; provision of competent role models; careful organization of the experience to include modeling, discussion, and both guided and independent…