Asserts that teachers have the technological tools to help students become involved in their own learning. Maintains that geographic instruction can be improved by using one computer or an entire bank of computers in the classroom. Describes and recommends computer software programs and online information services. (CFR)

Discusses one example of successful school restructuring by means of an examination of California's Bowling Green Elementary School. Key contributing elements discussed are having a low student-to-teacher ratio; using integrated thematic instruction; developing an efficacy approach; mastering adopted standards; and developing site-based decision…

Asserts that teaching report writing to students is a difficult task. Discusses four dimensions of student report writing and emphasizes the importance of visual aids to help students comprehend the material on which reports are based. Describes semantic webbing and cooperative groups to teach outlining and report writing. (CFR)

Described is an earth science course in which students develop projects throughout the school year. Essential behavior goals, a description of projects for developing cooperative group skills, and a student evaluation form are included. (KR)

Describes a collaborative honors project in psychology that allowed two students and two advisors to pursue a broad range of research issues. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of conducting such projects with undergraduates. Includes issues for student and faculty development such as stimulation of other joint research efforts, role models,…

The relationships among prior achievement, individual outcome, team outcome, and students' achievement and academic perceptions were studied for 190 students (grades 3 through 7) learning mathematics in teams. Subjects' teachers also participated. Team outcome was related to achievement and academic perceptions, but not to prior achievement and…

Presents recommendations for using cooperative learning with preservice elementary and secondary education teachers based on experiences in more than 35 courses. The article describes nine cooperative learning strategies and presents the results of a survey of preservice students' attitudes toward cooperative learning. (SM)

Presents a replication study to determine the effects of an innovative activity-centered biology program on attitudes toward science teaching among 159 prospective elementary teachers. Concludes that the course was influential in promoting positive teacher attitudes toward science and science teaching and recommends that the course be incorporated…

Reviews the radical constructivism movement in mathematics education. Benefits identified include learner ownership of mathematical learning; importance of social interaction; and identification of principles for improving mathematics teaching and learning. Weaknesses identified include overzealousness of some radical constructivists; downplaying…

Increasing the learning of economics among 76 public high school seniors from lower socioeconomic levels by teaching them to use generative comprehension procedures in cooperative learning groups was attempted. Comparison with 66 controls indicated facilitative effects of generative teaching in increasing confidence in correctness of answers and…

A field-tested instruction and assessment model is described that fosters development of second-language skills by integrating writing with listening, speaking, reading, and problem solving. The model draws upon elements of process-oriented instruction, whole language learning, cooperative learning, cognitive mapping, and reading and writing…

This study involved 524 students in 2 elementary schools in analyzing the effects of instructional service changes. Services included cooperative learning for sixth grade students, cross-age tutoring for special/remedial students in grades 1-3, and in-class services for all grade levels. None of the three treatments had much impact on achievement.…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether paired/cooperative computer-assisted instruction (CAI) was as effective as individual instruction. Treatment of experimental and control groups is explained, and the effects of pairings based on cognitive style--i.e., field dependence and field independence--on achievement and student…

Effects of 2 questioning strategies on 20 third grade students' social studies quizzes were examined. Compared to whole group questioning, "Heads Together" (in which small heterogeneous learning teams work together to ensure that each teammate knows the answer) resulted in better quiz results, on-task performance, and student satisfaction.…

Discusses four models of staff development for cooperative learning in mathematics: graduate seminar with weekly meetings; workshop enhanced by support systems and followup; school-based staff development with monthly meetings; and projects involving collaboration between university and school district personnel. The article lists 10 important…