Maintains that educational reform is related directly to issues of creativity and critical thinking. Contends that the creative dimension of thinking is fostered best by joining it with the critical dimension. Includes a figure and eight basic conditions implicit in creative, critical acts of the mind. (CFR)

The impact of changing classroom grouping practices from those requiring individual outcomes to those requiring cooperative outcomes was investigated in classrooms of 15 primary (elementary) school teachers in the United Kingdom. The nature and quality of talk in the cooperative groups with 4- to 11-year-old students were examined. (SLD)

The effects of LOGO programing and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on children's behaviors indicative of cooperative problem solving and effectance motivation were compared for 12 fourth and 28 sixth graders. Results suggest that LOGO may foster cognitive growth through opportunities for resolving cognitive conflict and may enhance effectance…

Investigates the use of collaborative learning groups in a physical science course designed for elementary education majors (n=54). Data for the study were 20 video-taped laboratory sessions, the instructor's journal, and the students laboratory reports. Among the conclusions is that the collaborative science laboratories provided insightful…

Contends that feature films can heighten student interest in history. Proposes having students create film presentations based on historical topics. Includes a model research unit on Roman civilization. (CFR)

Describes "The Adventures of Jasper Woodbury," a series of four problem-solving videodisc adventure stories designed for research purposes that provide students with open-ended problems based on real-world situations. Presents design principles, research results, the teacher's role, and technology issues related to the utilization of the…

Study (n=62) at suburban community college tested method of conceptual change in which treatment students worked in small cooperative groups on tasks aimed at eliciting their misconceptions so that they could be discussed in contrast to scientific conception that had been taught in direct instruction. Treatment group had significantly lower…

A microanalysis of play in a fourth-grade classroom highlights its governing patterns and rules in play in which literacy is a factor. Social rituals of children are products of interaction and observation of the adult culture. They are a window into how schools and culture inform each other. (SLD)

To motivate students toward higher achievement and encourage mingling across racial and socioeconomic groups, a team of Florida seventh-grade teachers developed a plan featuring a rotating schedule, enrichment classes for all students, long time-blocks two days weekly, and heterogeneous cohesive groups. The program exposed all students to a…

Medical schools are starting to put students in small groups and help them solve real problems they will face in treating patients. Trend of problem-based learning in medical schools will have ripple effect throughout education. Teachers relinquishing lecturer's role must become adept at listening, answering questions, and helping students frame…

Presents an interdisciplinary unit for middle school students, focusing on the removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from Georgia to so-called Indian Territory, also known as the Trail of Tears. Outlines cooperative learning activities addressing whether or not this act constituted genocide. Uses excerpts from the novel, "The Education of…

Study examined the ways 117 low-socioeconomic third graders interacted during acquisition of new mathematical skills. The effects of cooperative-mastery-learning (CML) strategies on their mathematics achievement were investigated. Two experiments indicated that students exposed to CML performed better than those given more traditional instruction.…

This article discusses cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for students with behavioral disorders. Elements of cooperative learning lessons and relevant software considerations are reviewed. Guidelines are offered and examples using specific software packages given, including models based on learning together, "Jigsaw"…

Describes three experiments which examined the relative instructional effectiveness of using small group computer-based training (CBT) and individual CBT in a military setting. Retention abilities are tested in two of the experiments, pretests and posttests are described, cost effectiveness is discussed, and cooperative learning is considered. (25…

Presents activities in which students develop and analyze scatterplots on graphing calculators to model corn growth, decay, a box of maximum volume, and weather prediction. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)