Examines results of a 1992 group learning study done by Queen's University of Belfast (Northern Ireland). Compares the quality of learning and depth of critical thinking in seminars conducted face-to-face and via a computer conferencing system. Findings indicate that computer conference discussions had significantly deeper critical thinking than…

Describes "concoctions," a style of small group and pair activities that has proved highly successful in stimulating language interaction in a wide variety of instructional settings. Along with a theoretical discussion, numerous concoctions are included in the text and appendix. (JL)

Presents a transcription from a recording of Dr. Gerald M. Phillips' last lecture, describing his philosophy of teaching, why he used computers, and how he introduced technology into his course on small group communication. (Author/JKP)

Determined types of group behaviors related to the content achievement of middle school special education and nonspecial education students working in groups on computers. Results indicated that two interpersonal behavior variables were related to achievement: mutual keyboard usage and giving explanation; and that special education students gave…

Describes the development of the Multidimensional Audioconferencing Classification System (MACS), an instrument for the tabulation, analysis, and interpretation of audioconferencing instructional interactions. MACS draws on three theoretical and empirical streams: (1) systematic small group interaction analysis; (2) systematic classroom…

In four experiments, college students acting as teachers to a simulated class of six students adopted a policy to balance achievement means and variances, allocating about 50 percent of the time to group instruction and the remainder to individual instruction. Results indicate that simulations can help teachers improve instructional decision…

The article discusses the concept of whole-group instruction. After noting criticism of whole-group instruction, the paper examines research on the effects of class size and academic achievement, classroom tasks, altering instructional variables, and ability grouping. Fifteen practical suggestions for teaching whole groups are included. (SM)

This study, involving four primary-aged students with moderate handicaps, found that the system of least prompts procedure was effective in teaching food words on a menu to students in a small-group instructional arrangement and that each student also acquired some secondary nontarget stimuli (such as food's approximate cost). (Author/JDD)

This study investigated the use of the Task Demonstration Model (TDM) with 3 groups of students (ages 16-21) with severe or moderate retardation and compared it with the Standard Prompting Hierarchy. Percent and rate of correct responses indicate that TDM can be effective in a concurrent model of group instruction. (Author/JDD)

Effects of one-on-one versus small group arrangements were studied as were variations in instructional agents used to teach three elementary students with autism word recognition skills. Findings indicated the small group format allowed for more trials and reinforcing statements, as well as more closely approximating regular classroom activities.…

Teachers of English as a Second Language to groups of adults with mixed ability levels should provide three important ingredients: (1) a supportive environment; (2) lessons that contain a variety of language development activities; and (3) a variety of grouping strategies. (SK)

Describes how specially trained teachers working with small groups of children helped to reduce the risk of failure that was threatening many low-achieving first grade students. Provides details of the Early Intervention in Reading Program of a small school district in the midwest. (PRA)

Shares how one teacher used a small group setting to promote cross-cultural experiences while reading the novel "The Old Man and the Sea." (MG)

Reading activities that include more than one person working together on one or more texts offer more than social or tedium-breaking possibilities. Various independent and integrated reading activities are described, including mapping and jigsaw reading. (19 references) (LB)

Applications of the Foxfire approach to vocational education include opportunities to learn a variety of skills in the context of work, showing the connection between traditional culture and skills, and giving students control of their learning with teacher direction. (SK)