Presents techniques for encouraging peer learning in the college classroom. Discusses icebreaking exercises, ways to encourage total participation, and methods for dealing with grade anxiety. Argues that, with peer learning, students learn to develop their own resources for learning. Urges testing that calls for application of theoretical…

The eight chapters of this theme issue discuss recent research and theory concerning computer-based integrated learning systems. Following an introduction about their theoretical background and current use in schools, the effects of using computer-based integrated learning systems in the elementary school classroom are considered. (SLD)

Nine articles discuss teaching research skills to junior and senior high school students including useful personal qualities, computer-assisted instruction, researching issues of current public debate, an oral history project on the 1960s, changing roles of librarians, cooperative learning, video and audiotapes as sources, CD-ROM-based indexes,…

A large introductory anthropology course at Utah State University was organized to promote collaboration among and between students and faculty. Students were divided into and worked in "clans" for the entire term. A study of the course suggests that learning and a sense of community resulted directly from this organization. (MSE)

A British master's program in management that is computer-based and emphasizes cooperative learning is described. Guiding principles include participant choice of learning content and direction; personal responsibility for learning; integration of professional experience with new knowledge; student professional development; and shared learning.…

Two classroom research studies of fourth graders employed group grading to increase cooperation among group members and mathematics test scores of low achievers. Results indicated that group grading was more effective with students who enjoyed working in groups and who accepted the method of assessment than with students who did not like group…

Presents an extended classroom activity in which students explore relationships, organize information, and make generalizations about geography and the world around them. Includes writing assignments and examples of student work. Provides suggestions for extending the activity. (CFR)

Asserts that the issue of U.S. participation in the League of Nations is usually presented as a failure by Woodrow Wilson and the Republicans to compromise. Presents a lesson that clarifies the choice confronting the United States in 1919-20 and interprets the league as a historic innovation. (CFR)

Maintains that educational reform is related directly to issues of creativity and critical thinking. Contends that the creative dimension of thinking is fostered best by joining it with the critical dimension. Includes a figure and eight basic conditions implicit in creative, critical acts of the mind. (CFR)

The impact of changing classroom grouping practices from those requiring individual outcomes to those requiring cooperative outcomes was investigated in classrooms of 15 primary (elementary) school teachers in the United Kingdom. The nature and quality of talk in the cooperative groups with 4- to 11-year-old students were examined. (SLD)

The effects of LOGO programing and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on children's behaviors indicative of cooperative problem solving and effectance motivation were compared for 12 fourth and 28 sixth graders. Results suggest that LOGO may foster cognitive growth through opportunities for resolving cognitive conflict and may enhance effectance…

Investigates the use of collaborative learning groups in a physical science course designed for elementary education majors (n=54). Data for the study were 20 video-taped laboratory sessions, the instructor's journal, and the students laboratory reports. Among the conclusions is that the collaborative science laboratories provided insightful…

Contends that feature films can heighten student interest in history. Proposes having students create film presentations based on historical topics. Includes a model research unit on Roman civilization. (CFR)

Describes "The Adventures of Jasper Woodbury," a series of four problem-solving videodisc adventure stories designed for research purposes that provide students with open-ended problems based on real-world situations. Presents design principles, research results, the teacher's role, and technology issues related to the utilization of the…

Study (n=62) at suburban community college tested method of conceptual change in which treatment students worked in small cooperative groups on tasks aimed at eliciting their misconceptions so that they could be discussed in contrast to scientific conception that had been taught in direct instruction. Treatment group had significantly lower…