Explores techniques for creating cohesive active learning communities in which information can be linked to real-world experiences. Discusses four types of interactions that take place in distance learning environments: learner-content, learner-instructor, learner-learner, and learner-interface. Offers strategies for overcoming common barriers to…

This paper reviews the literature validating inclusive practices that benefit most students in the classroom, maintain the integrity of the curriculum, and can be practically implemented. Peer tutoring, cooperative learning, content enhancement routines, curriculum revision, and strategies instruction are all examined and evaluated. (PB)

Describes software that is effective in helping high school students learn mathematics. Discusses how to focus lessons, including graphics, for whole-group instruction; and have student practice skills with partners and explore ideas individually or with partners. (LRW)

Describes the use of the Internet to investigate mathematical problems, create and share information, discover patterns and relationships, and find out more about the world. This unit investigates pet ownership and introduces children to telecommunications, the use of the computer as a tool, and scientific research methods. Other units address…

This article discusses how an urban middle school designed to reflect a Schools for Thought model has demonstrated that urban schools can achieve excellent results on statewide testing for all students, including those with disabilities. Key school features are highlighted, including the use of "cross-talk" to stimulate discussion and student…

Offers suggestions for an orientation program for middle school library media centers. Highlights include focusing on a different curriculum area each year; teamwork among library staff; creating hands-on activity stations around the library; teamwork among students; and ideas for the activity stations, including video, arts and crafts, games, and…

Investigated Israeli Jewish and Arab fifth- and sixth-grade student perceptions of and attitudes to writing in three learning environments: cooperative learning, computer-mediated communication (CMC), and a combination of the two. Concludes that the power of peer interaction in cooperative learning with CMC was greater than each learning…

An activity called class books is described. The activity emphasizes using cooperative learning and integrating many subjects in the same activity. (KR)

Discussion of the successful integration of technology to assist students with mild handicaps in mainstreamed classrooms highlights the role of the teacher. Three research studies are described: one with elementary schools, one with middle schools, and one with high schools. Curriculum objectives, student needs, group learning, and teacher…

Describes the use of experiential learning in a university psychology course. Topics discussed include modeling teachers' attitudes and behavior; the importance of clear communication; an emphasis on process; collaborative learning; formative evaluation, including feedback on performance of both teachers and students; and summative evaluation. (21…

Maintains that a teacher's awareness of the ways in which task organization, learner contributions, the reward system, and the teacher's orientation can foster cooperative peer interaction, and therefore shared learning. Determines how well children use cooperative peer interaction to increase their learning. (BB)

Examines how the strategies of cooperative learning complement inquiry into major global issues. Points out that most of the basic skills identified by Steven Lamy for a global education program are inquiry skills and that cooperative inquiry best serves these objectives. Maintains that cooperative learning empowers students and creates a…

This article considers the relationship between teachers' ideological beliefs about education and the decisions they make, focusing on beliefs regarding purpose of schooling and process of knowledge acquisition. The effects of teacher beliefs on adoption and implementation of instructional innovations, particularly cooperative learning, are…

Discusses cooperative learning in the social studies classroom, highlighting the Jigsaw Strategy--a cooperative learning technique used to encourage students to interact, exchange ideas with peers, and gain confidence in the learning process. Presents an example of its use from a grade seven unit on Canada's native people. (GEA)

Presents the background, methodology and results of a controlled study of student achievement and behavior comparing a traditional teacher-centered class to one in which students participated in cooperative learning. Reports the results for academic achievement as inconclusive and on-task behavior as significantly better for the cooperative…