Fourth and fifth graders participated in a study comparing the effects of traditional and modified collaboration models on participation and productivity outcomes. Students in traditional, modified, and control groups completed cooperative projects. Unlike the other groups, control group students had no assigned task roles. The modified and…

Seven college students at Florida State University recognized on campus for exemplary character and service were interviewed about how college student peer groups function both to inhibit and to encourage development of character and civic responsibility. Their responses are summarized, and strategies that institutions can use to promote moral and…

Describes the experience of a preschool teacher who allowed her students to create curriculum with her by sharing observations of natural phenomena and the learning process. Considers the importance of preparing the environment so that children feel they have ownership of the classroom and the materials, the role of both teacher and children as…

A study in the Vaal Triangle (South Africa) investigated the extent of Vaal Triangle Technikon students' participation in economic and social development activities on campus and within the surrounding community, identified community projects and development activities in which students might participate, and assessed student attitudes about…

Introduces major assumptions and theory surrounding problem-based learning (PBL) used in Stanford University's educational leadership program. Reviews instructional delivery, explains students' role in knowledge production, and illustrates the program's relationship to practitioners and the field. Use of PBL materials inspired significantly higher…

Examines relevant research regarding how and when students learn from their physical education teachers, focusing on how student engagement leads to achievement, student mediational perspective, the role of gender and competence beliefs in teaching and learning, and how teacher practices influence student beliefs, engagement, and learning. The…

Discussion of the use of electronic networks for learning activities highlights the Noon Observation Project in which students in various locations measured the length of a noontime shadow to determine the earth's circumference. Electronic pen pals are discussed, and the roles of the network and of the class are described. (LRW)

Describes an ethnographic study of the electronic community comprised of masters and doctoral students involved in a seminar on networking. Ethnographic research facilitated observation and description of the networked learning community. The exploration of the cultural meaning of class events led to enhanced understanding of online education and…

Discusses techniques that teachers can use to help students better understand classroom rules and the reasons for them. Suggests that teachers can use "class meetings" to get students involved in the rule-making process, discussing norms of behavior, asking reflective questions of students, and building classroom unity and cooperation. (MDM)

Examines the role of student employees in academic libraries using data from Southern Statistics and Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Compares students' contributions to the full-time equivalents (FTEs), the cost-effectiveness of student employment, and Canadian libraries versus American libraries. Discusses the staffing mix, student…

Maintains that most educational institutions still treat students as dependent children and teach largely irrelevant material. Argues for a broader philosophical examination of the teacher/student roles. Concludes that the juxtaposition of autonomy and dependence, especially with older students may require more subtlety than schools possess. (MJP)

Seven models of inclusion for deaf children are briefly described: (1) residential programming; (2) residential/public school split; (3) public school programming with a residential component; (4) contained classroom programming; (5) class within a class; (6) integration plus resource; and (7) integration with monitoring. Roles of teachers,…

A University of Washington program that integrates medical residents' roles as teachers and team supervisors is described. Residents develop leadership and problem-solving skills by discussing sample cases and videotaped vignettes of typical situations. Emphasis is also given to communication with attending physicians and ways to increase…

Discusses methods of teaching world geography and culture through student involvement and describes lessons that teach students about Africa. One uses maps; one uses computer-assisted instruction; and one uses various resources to recreate an African school day. A sidebar by Janine Onffroy Shelley describes the use of telecommunications systems in…

Examines the roles and responsibilities of students, faculty, facilitators, support staff, and administration in distance education. Highlights include strategies for dealing with special challenges of distance learners and educators and a list of characteristics of effective distance teaching. (three references) (MES)