This study investigated the effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles and communication media on team interaction styles and outcomes. Teams communicated through one of the following three ways: (a) face-to-face, (b) desktop videoconference, or (c) text-based chat. Results indicated that transformational and transactional…

Undergraduates with little training on molecular biology may find the technical level of the typical introductory restriction laboratory too challenging and have problems with mastering the underlying concepts and processes. "Blackboard electrophoresis" is an active learning exercise, which focuses student attention on the sequences and principles…

This article describes Richland College's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award-winning Performance Excellence Model. Richland's leadership team uses systematic strategic and operational approaches to improve performance. These approaches mirror Richland's vision, mission, values, and goals and reflect their approach-deploy-learn-integrate…

With a shift of focus from teaching to learning in higher education, teachers often look for strategies to involve students actively in the learning process, especially since numerous studies have demonstrated that a student's active involvement in the learning process enhances learning. Active learning has resulted in positive learning outcomes.…

Educators from four states participated in a pilot study to enhance and field-test an assessment guide for assisting teams in creating student-centered behavior plans. The assessment guide attempts to consciously match the multi-layered tenets of positive behavior support with the behavioral intervention and support process for maximum…

Two collaborative authors have found that discussions about collaborative writing are hard to come by. Despite years of research into collaborative learning, the collaborative nature of knowledge, and many examples of collaborative work by great writers, the notion of solitary authorship is hard to overcome. These authors found that few of the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cooperative learning strategies on: (1) performance, (2) attitude toward working in teams, and (3) group behaviors in a technical training context. Subjects were 274 engineering employees enrolled in a required training class that focused on the importance of communicating technical…

Benefits of collaborative learning as achieved in peer tutoring approaches are considered, and the suggestion is made that partner learning may be just as beneficial for disabled and normal adults as it is for children. Research is reviewed on the benefits of partner learning for all parties involved: for the tutee (increased individualized…

The paper presents a rationale for involving parents of handicapped children in the multidisciplinary team process and offers suggestions to facilitate the involvement. Parental rights guaranteed by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, are summarized. Advantages of parent involvement include increased understanding of their…

The teacher's role in creatively and effectively involving school volunteers in educational programs is spelled out in this guide. After explaining the value of volunteers to schools, teachers, and students, the booklet suggests and expands on 12 steps teachers can take to obtain full value from volunteers: (1) assess teacher and classroom needs,…

A survey was conducted nationally to determine the number of colleges and universities involved in team training and the manner in which training is provided. Results indicated that 48% of the 360 responding institutions do not offer team training. Of those programs with team training, the majority infuse the training components into existing…

Article provided a glimpse at the origins and processes of educational innovation and change. (Author/RK)

The article describes a hike up Slide Mountain (New York) undertaken by the 5th grade class of Phoenicia Elementary School (Woodstock). (KM)

A method of instruction is presented in which learners construct their own understanding by engaging in experiments directed to solving specified problems. The method is based on how successful inventors learn and create new inventions.

The potential of multidisciplinary teams to control for possible errors in diagnosis, classification, and placement and to provide a vehicle for ensuring effective outcomes of diagnostic practices is illustrated. The present functions of the school-based multidisciplinary team (also called, for example, assessment team, child study team, placement…