A microanalysis of play in a fourth-grade classroom highlights its governing patterns and rules in play in which literacy is a factor. Social rituals of children are products of interaction and observation of the adult culture. They are a window into how schools and culture inform each other. (SLD)

To motivate students toward higher achievement and encourage mingling across racial and socioeconomic groups, a team of Florida seventh-grade teachers developed a plan featuring a rotating schedule, enrichment classes for all students, long time-blocks two days weekly, and heterogeneous cohesive groups. The program exposed all students to a…

Medical schools are starting to put students in small groups and help them solve real problems they will face in treating patients. Trend of problem-based learning in medical schools will have ripple effect throughout education. Teachers relinquishing lecturer's role must become adept at listening, answering questions, and helping students frame…

Presents an interdisciplinary unit for middle school students, focusing on the removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from Georgia to so-called Indian Territory, also known as the Trail of Tears. Outlines cooperative learning activities addressing whether or not this act constituted genocide. Uses excerpts from the novel, "The Education of…

Study examined the ways 117 low-socioeconomic third graders interacted during acquisition of new mathematical skills. The effects of cooperative-mastery-learning (CML) strategies on their mathematics achievement were investigated. Two experiments indicated that students exposed to CML performed better than those given more traditional instruction.…

This article discusses cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for students with behavioral disorders. Elements of cooperative learning lessons and relevant software considerations are reviewed. Guidelines are offered and examples using specific software packages given, including models based on learning together, "Jigsaw"…

Describes three experiments which examined the relative instructional effectiveness of using small group computer-based training (CBT) and individual CBT in a military setting. Retention abilities are tested in two of the experiments, pretests and posttests are described, cost effectiveness is discussed, and cooperative learning is considered. (25…

Presents activities in which students develop and analyze scatterplots on graphing calculators to model corn growth, decay, a box of maximum volume, and weather prediction. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Discusses research involving instruction to help students develop their mental managerial processes or metacognition, the role of a framework for problem-solving activities, the teacher as model or moderator, problem solving involving groups or pairs, and weaving writing into problem solving. (Contains 18 references.) (MKR)

Effects of cooperative group learning on students' motivation and achievement were studied for 62 high school students assigned to cooperative learning or traditional lecture groups. Greater gains were made in achievement, efficacy, valuing of algebra, and learning goal orientation for the cooperative-learning group. (SLD)

Argues that active learning should be the goal of every teacher. Contends that this can be achieved through the use of cooperative learning, attention to learning styles, and hands-on strategies. Includes a lesson plan utilizing audiovisual aids. (CFR)

Ontario Agri-Food Education's curriculum unit, "From Both Sides," applies a cooperative-learning method of conflict resolution to environmental issues. Two groups of students are assigned polar views on an issue such as pesticide use. Five steps involve preparing and presenting a position, refuting opposing positions, reversing…

Details the process of implementing problem-based learning in the classroom, illustrated by a planning course. Problem-based learning is a promising method that helps students acquire the skills and knowledge to be more effective practitioners by tackling real-world problems. The instructor, as cognitive coach, ensures that students are active,…

Discusses using Donna Haraway's concept of affinity and affinity politics as a foundation for structuring collaborative pedagogy and feminist syllabi. Outlines the goals and assumptions of affinity-based pedagogy, and relates classroom experiences that illustrate its functioning. Notes the lessons that both students and teachers have taken away…

Describes the use of CyberQuest, a cooperative-learning activity developed to help focus secondary English-education students on productive processes for assessing Web-based educational materials and incorporating them into the classroom. Discusses implications of student responses to CyberQuest. (AEF)