Asserts that many who work in elementary education consider social studies to be the core of the curriculum. Focuses on the use of social studies as a vehicle for curricular and instructional change, particularly in ways that promote caring and inclusion. (CFR)

Asserts that successful teaching and learning can be summarized in one word: collaboration. Discusses cooperative learning and three types of collaboration: (1) collaboration among teachers; (2) collaboration between student and teacher; and (3) collaboration among students. (CFR)

Proposes a model for intelligent computer-aided education systems that is based on cooperative learning, constructive problem-solving, object-oriented programming, interactive user interfaces, and expert system techniques. Future research is discussed, and a prototype for teaching mathematics to 10- to 12-year-old students is appended. (LRW)

Reports a study that examined eight Canadian elementary schools that were implementing cooperative learning, describing the context and design of the cooperative learning project, identifying nine common concerns of elementary teachers beginning to implement cooperative learning, offering suggestions to staff developers for supporting teachers,…

Presents the results of a research project involving language teachers in Italy, their use of the target language (TL) and its interrelationship with collaborative and independent learning. The investigation was conducted by asking 21 Italian teachers of English to fill in a questionnaire concerning their beliefs regarding classroom use of TL. (15…

Presents study results on the effects of students working in pairs on spelling in three different grades. Explains that students working individually were compared to students working in pairs. Reports less off-task behavior for the younger students working in pairs. Concludes that effort increases in pair work, but achievement increased only at…

Describes a project in which students in a community college basic mathematics class worked collaboratively to write their own book on fractions. Students reinforced their math and cooperative skills, gained confidence, organized and revised their ideas, and created their own examples. Relates teacher and student responses to the project. (DMM)

Reviews literature on laboratory and field-based studies of cooperative learning, emphasizing field-tested methods that can increase the repertoire of effective teaching methodology. Several cooperative learning methods are summarized: student teams achievement divisions, teams-games-tournament, team-assisted individualization, circles of…

Examines how best to use cooperative learning in preschool classrooms. The article describes young children at play and discusses cooperative play (CP) and the development of social skills, the impact of CP, principles of implementing CP in preschool classrooms, and teacher role. (SM)

Cooperative learning (CL) needs direct instruction, because sitting students in close proximity does not ensure cooperation. The article explains how to promote CL with positive interdependence, individual accountability, and face-to-face interaction. It discusses group activities, explains advantages of CL to all involved, and notes possible…

Reports a study investigating the instructional use of microcomputers by secondary mathematics teachers, and discusses results from a sample of 128 completed questionnaires showing that computer utilization is hampered by inadequate access to equipment, lack of software appropriate to the mathematics curricula, and a lack of guidance for…

Discusses aspects of cooperative problem solving that include the selection of appropriate problems and the grading of group and individual papers using an analytical scoring scale. Offers six tips for grading cooperative problem solving. An appendix provides solutions to cited problems, potential follow-up questions, and an annotated…

Describes one fifth grade teacher's approach to the teaching of U.S. history. Reveals that the teacher limited breadth of coverage in favor of an approach that sought to connect themes and facts. Explains that the teacher incorporated language arts teaching, storytelling, writing assignments, and cooperative learning activities. (SG)

Many schools are trying to reconnect elements of schooling that have grown apart since one-room schoolhouse days. This article explores alternatives to tracking and specialized curricula, including instructional alignment, criterion-referenced tests, schoolwide instructional strategies (cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction),…

Calls for a reassessment of the theory and practice of WAC programs in light of community college literacy problems. Compares the views of writing as a generic skill and a learning tool. Describes the Community College of Philadelphia's Writing within the Curriculum approach, which relies on writing groups. (DMM)