Discusses cooperative problem solving among Open University physics and math students and describes three studies that investigated how to design effective computer-based support for collaborative learning in distance education. The value of peer interaction for learning and problem solving is discussed, and students' attitudes to group work are…

Describes a study of third-grade students in Israel that examined the differential effects of cooperative and individual computer-assisted instruction on mathematics achievement, amount of invested mental effort, academic recognition, and social acceptance of high and low achieving students. Theoretical and empirical implications are discussed,…

Presents six strategies to develop appropriate mathematical applications for middle school children: (1) change the name; (2) make problems appealing; (3) encourage group work; (4) let students generate story problems; (5) encourage a positive attitude; and (6) keep students motivated. Illustrates strategies with three examples involving…

Describes a partnership between business, public schools, and a university to empower high school math and science teachers to use multimedia workstations and other technology to improve their curricula. Improvements included more student-centered classrooms, as well as better feedback, problem solving, creativity, and motivation. Teachers were…

Fifth- and sixth-grade students and teachers were interviewed about their perceptions of the general aspects of cooperative small group instruction. Students' and teachers' perceptions were found to be fairly well aligned; differences were found regarding emphasis given to curriculum, group, and individual accountability. (SM)

Three groups of secondary school teachers received different types of training with regard to teaching at-risk students. Teachers who learned techniques of experiential cooperative gaming for use with at-risk students demonstrated an increase in self-confidence in dealing with at-risk students, while teachers who received only information…

A variety of beliefs and practices central to middle schools may cause special difficulties for gifted learners. Such practices often focus on potentially competing goals of student competencies versus student excellence and include such practices as heterogeneous grouping, cooperative learning, and an absence of clearly defined middle school…

Examined the effectiveness of a course conducted during the first two weeks of school to teach Russian first graders to cooperate with each other and their teacher. Results indicated that students in the experimental groups improved in terms of their ability to account for partners' actions, initiative, cooperative action, conflict resolution,…

Focuses on student organization, preparation, and presentation of simple foods (beverage, brownies, sloppy-joe sandwiches) as a way to apply various mathematical concepts, with problem-solving techniques being central to almost all the activities. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Examined patterns of giving and receiving explanations in three mixed-ability student groups (grades 7-10) working on problem-solving tasks. Groups were modeled after the cooperative learning approach, Student-Teams Achievement Divisions. Students infrequently sought explanations or received inadequate explanations, and explanation givers did not…

Contends that the computer software program, "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego," can be used to teach about social studies and a wide range of other courses. Recommends instructional techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to be used with the program and includes a curriculum correlation chart. (CFR)

Presents two classroom lessons about global political interdependence and the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Uses the Great Wall of China as a metaphor for discussing the irrelevance of national sovereignty and the emergence of an interdependent world. (CFR)

Presents an activity through which students develop mathematical concepts connected to area and perimeter in a rich, real-life setting and use tables, graphs, diagrams, and spreadsheets to explore the problem, see relationships, and make and test conjectures about those relationships. Encourages algebraic thinking. (SYB)

Describes a library media skills unit for middle school mathematics that identifies specific subject material, develops questions based on the sources chosen, addresses student motivation, involves cooperative learning, and culminates in a "Jeopardy"-style game. (LRW)

Explores students' verbal interaction in small multiethnic groups after the students had participated for several months in classes conducted with either the Group Investigation Method or the traditional whole-class method. Found that the two instructional methods affected students very differently and that, additionally, these different effects…