Instead of accepting the mechanical approach that often characterizes individualized instruction programs, teachers should acquire personal knowledge about each student by spending structured but informal time with him/her. Personalized teaching can evolve from having individual students read in an informal setting with no set achievement…

Notes discrepancies between what middle grade teachers thought they should do and what they were doing as far as grouping practices in reading instruction (both multiple groupings and individualized programs). Indicates the need for more teacher training in how to use objective data when making instructional decisions. (RL)

A science course is described in which students worked in moderately self-paced groups in a learning center with all the necessary resources on hand. Course objectives and organization are outlined and an evaluation of the course is presented that includes student reactions, staff opinions, and examination and project results. (Author/JMD)

Addresses the problem of providing individualized attention in classes which, because of fiscal restraints, have 30 to 40 students. Presents five suggestions for the improved apportionment of the teacher's time through the use of learning lab materials and paraprofessional aides. Discusses the effectiveness of the lecture-reading-discussion…

Peer counselors (N=16) trained in human relations techniques, group dynamics, and decision-making skills conducted small groups with 122 potential dropouts. A five-way factorial multivariate analysis showed significant improvement in counselee attendance and decisiveness over the control groups, but results were inconclusive in demonstrating the…

Presents a framework for teaching elementary school students to use the Internet in a one-computer classroom. Levels of activities include a class lesson with a functional Web site; class surfing, e-mail, and search engines; group researching; collecting data; and independent research. (LRW)

Discusses use of focus groups as qualitative research methodology and as reflection tool in service learning. Three focus groups at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) assessed cognitive outcomes of service-learning and encouraged students' reflection on their experience. Focus group data were triangulated with survey data to assess validity of…

Presents a small group activity that helps elementary students explore volume as part of the math curriculum. Collecting data through hands-on experimentation; analyzing the data; and using graphs and graphing software to further understanding are discussed. (LRW)

Analysis of participant perception suggests that interprofessional shared learning will be meaningful if professional representation and status are balanced, groups are not too large, knowledge and experience are similar, all relevant agencies are present, all participants are active, learning outcomes are specific, pre-course information is…

This article examines research evidence on the effects of preschool reading practices on young children, emphasizing the role of school-based programs for young disadvantaged children. The analysis notes positive effects from story reading programs and presents practical guidelines related to group size, rereadings, vocabulary instruction, and…

A cooperative learning approach in business administration courses is described, including projects and activities for three course types: management science; operations management; and mathematics education. Adaptation of the activities for specific classes is discussed, and student response to the method in one institution is examined. The…

Highlights group and task differences between teaching and coaching which favor coaching, thus making it more amenable to exercise influence by coaches and more motivational than teaching. A model synthesizing antecedents of role preference, influences of organizational and environmental elements, enacted role, role congruence, and resulting job…

Interviews with teachers of 17 small first-grade classes at 10 Edmonton (Alberta) schools found that teachers drew on the contextual benefits of small classes to support students' skill development in a creative and integrated curriculum. Teachers used individualization; active learning; integration of reading, writing, and speaking; and a variety…

Examines the use of Web-based online self-assessment in a large first-year biology class at the University of Sydney (Australia). Discusses a more student-centered focus to aid lifelong learning; collaborative learning; suitable and timely feedback; the use of Bloom's taxonomy; and student evaluations of self-assessment modules. (LRW)

Describes the Directed-Self Education program at the University of Bristol (England) for undergraduate small-group project work in veterinary science that was designed to support students in developing personal study and information technology skills. It also produced student-authored hypermedia tools which could be repurposed by staff as teaching…