This report describes a program for improving social skills while incorporating cooperative learning in the curriculum. The targeted population consisted of third grade students in a regular classroom and fifth grade students in physical education classes at two different elementary schools in the same district. The schools were located in a…

In this lesson plan, students are assigned a member of the California Assembly to research and a political faction to represent. Students examine representative bills voted on by the California Assembly to determine if their member's voting record coincides with the views of their political faction. Ultimately, students must decide whether, and…

Aiming to bring a new sense of adventure to teaching and learning by focusing on the lives of historical figures, artists, and scientists, this book is a "how-to" for teaching the most important lesson of all: becoming human. Each chapter includes several "Actions" designed to bring the human aspect of various disciplines center stage while…

Values of games as teaching strategies are outlined. In the simulation described in this paper students assume certain roles, analyze information, and make decisions. This is an example of how gaming might be used in a problem solving situation in a high school or college classroom. (SM)

A nontraditional laboratory course for first-year medical students is described, consisting of two laboratory exercises adapted to the guided design strategy and a short research project. Student learning and attitudes were shown to improve, but curriculum preparation time was a major disadvantage. (MSE)

Undergraduate field courses in land use studies at Leicester Polytechnic (England) are described. Students participate in site visits, data processing, problem solving, and simulations. Fieldwork for undergraduate students should relate to a broad and complex picture of how land use decisions are made in a capitalist society. (Author/KC)

Role playing has as advantages that it involves the whole individual, brings language alive, permits expression beyond simple reproduction of language, takes the focus off the teacher, and creates spontaneity. Possible difficulties stem from teacher unwillingness, inappropriate uses, different degrees of student involvement, and technical…

Suggests that children's use of social scripts for the production of sustained dialog in peer interaction depends on the nature of role play and that their attempts at script expansion are precursors to adults' recognition of the potential of conversation for self-expression. (FL)

General curriculum emphases on behavioral science in the first- and second-year dental curriculum culminate in a course on doctor-patient relationships, preparatory to clinic activity. The course includes discussion and essay quizzes about videotape recordings of typical doctor-patient encounters. Topics and issues included are outlined. (MSE)

Interdependent tasks and role play were implemented as treatment conditions in three elementary classrooms to affect peer nominations of the subjects. Third to fifth grade students (N-142) received 1/2 hour per day of treatment or a control condition for two weeks. One week following treatment, interdependent tasks were effective. (Author/HLM)

Discusses a role-playing technique used in a physics of music course that introduces students in a course for nonscientists to the thought processes and experiences of being a scientist. Students select a research project and present results as a journal article or an oral presentation at a scientific "meeting." (Author/JN)

Evaluative intervention research studies in pretend play are investigations that examine the potential of imaginative play in young children to demonstrate a relationship between play and cognitive, social, and emotional growth. A review of the research indicates that children who engage in imaginative play yield higher test scores than those in…

Play has an important socializing function in the process of cognitive and social development. The focus of this treatise is on play as it relates to social interaction, role development, and assimilation of cultural expectations. (JN)

Used modeling and role playing to strengthen the cognitive and social skills of students in a high school with high dropout and delinquency rates. Subjects who received special training were able to think of more adaptive ways of approaching problematic situations, and perform more effectively in a self-presentation situation. (Author/JAC)