Describes a sequence of five experimental courses in chemical engineering that are designed to meet the needs of students with various learning styles. The courses use a variety of teaching methods and are designed to develop and enhance creative problem-solving. (DDR)

Illustrates the cooperative-learning approach as used in an upper-division undergraduate course on gender and family relationships. Results show that the approach enhanced student understanding and improved the quality of the classroom experience for both students and the instructor in a way that was consistent with feminist goals. (RJM)

At Queensland University of Technology (Australia), a cross-disciplinary faculty development network involves 13 teaching and learning interest groups representing 25 disciplines across 3 campuses. Groups meet monthly, using peer facilitators, to identify individual and collective areas of interest, reflect critically on teaching processes and…

Provides a conceptual framework and concrete guidance for Navajo language teaching that follows an immersion approach. Explains key theoretical starting points for immersion instruction and program development; then describes in step-by-step fashion how to go about implementing immersion language teaching in various classroom contexts. (Author/TD)

This study investigated relationships among teacher experience, efficacy, and attitude toward implementation of instructional innovation. Surveys immediately following a staff development program on cooperative learning indicated that experience was negatively correlated, personal teaching efficacy positively correlated, and general teaching…

This study investigated the consequences of grouping preservice teachers, enrolled in a course on preconceptions about teaching, according to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types. Journals, papers, and interviews indicated that grouping was a significant learning experience for all students. Students gained greater awareness of learning…

Describes a mathematical investigation of gold--how it is weighed, stored, used, and valued. For grades 3-4, children estimate the value of treasure chests filled with gold coins and explore the size and weight of gold bars. Children in grades 5-6 explore how gold is mined and used, and how the value of gold changes over time. (PVD)

Recommends establishing literature study groups as early as the primary grades. Outlines the steps for implementing a group and describes several classroom experiences with them. Includes a discussion of follow-up activities, and a bibliography of related works. (MJP)

Examines collaborative decision making in middle schools and methods to facilitate this underused strategy. Examines research on collaboration in the areas of school environment, classroom instruction, student learning, and decision making in schools. Factors of successful environments are examined including principal commitment, trust, focus on…

Describes a model class for instructing general and special educators in best practices in inclusive education. The class emphasized cooperative learning and decision making, highly structured problem solving activities, and use of in vivo case studies involving children with disabilities in local schools. These components were designed to model…

A grade 6/7 teacher and a teacher educator-researcher team-taught science to 29 students by framing science projects as adventure. Ethnographic data revealed that small-group instruction, whole-class discussions, and presentations to outside audiences provided progressive opportunities for students to exchange ideas and motivated students and…

Presents a teacher-initiated model for reaching class consensus on the meaning of confusing or interchangeable concepts in social studies classrooms. Illustrates the model by delineating terrorism. Shows procedural steps that involve students in self and small group interviews where definitions are clarified until consensus is reached. Suggests…

Eleven learning-handicapped students, ages 8-13, generated text at microcomputers both alone and as members of dyads. Examination of mechanical errors revealed a lower error rate in the dyad condition compared to working alone. The relationship between error monitoring and the social interaction needed for collaboration is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Reviewed are the basic principles of cooperative learning including a rationale for its use and the formation of cooperative learning groups in the classroom. Examples of the application of this teaching method to mathematics teaching are discussed. (CW)

Describes a fifth grade social studies unit on ancient civilizations that includes a comprehensive history of ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece and integrates studio art, art history, library science, social studies, and computer literacy programs. Students utilize the library to do research and develop an oral presentation while also working on…