Author discusses classroom groupings, notes present day problems, and suggests breaking down semesters of content into short-term, single-topic courses. (Author/SP)

Compared student performance on test of subject-matter after a 7 day unit on evolution taught by either individual study, group discussion, large-group instruction, or by a combination of these three methods. Found no significant difference among groups when pretest score used as dovariate. (AL)

Sixth graders in primary prevention groups were taught various skills--interpersonal, decision making, problem solving and self-instructional--and facts about tobacco smoking to help them avoid cigarette smoking. Follow-up data showed that students trained this way smoked far less than those in a control group a year later. (Author/PP)

Three methods for teaching writing are proving effective in metropolitan Atlanta schools: (1) using small groups to help students diagnose and review their own papers; (2) assigning brief writing exercises and journals to develop fluency; and (3) deriving lessons in grammar and punctuation from students' own papers to improve mastery of standard…

A videotape of a class is discussed by the instructor and her students. Communication patterns, previously unexpressed feelings, and planned improvements are noted. The results showed that the students became more productive and began to develop seminar participation skills that could be transferred to other classes. (Author/MLW)

Classroom creative problem-solving activities were developed around clearly defined problems having many possible solutions and entailing a situation where reality is slightly skewed. Working in small groups, students role-play by becoming "experts" at the matter in hand. A group secretary keeps students accountable for their time. Problem-solving…

Presents evidence that, contrary to popular assumptions, television viewing and learning both involve a high degree of social interaction. "Collaborative learning television" is proposed as a means of promoting learning by taking advantage of the social nature of watching television and the social nature of learning. Twenty-five references are…

Discusses a model for training supervisors, helpers and other leaders of small group discussions with a specific goal. Describes the model's five stages: (1) trainer models leader behavior, (2) subgroup members practice leading, (3) subgroup's behavior processed, (4) critiques leader's behavior, and (5) total group shares observations and…

A one-to-one instructional arrangement appeared superior to a small group arrangement with nine profoundly mentally retarded students (3 to 9 years old) in terms of teacher on-task time and frequency of instructor turnaways per instructional minute. (CL)

Describes an alternative to lecturing in the introductory college-level sociology class. The alternative is an "active" course involving students in teaching others, having students look for and evaluate information, and encouraging students to work together.

Reveals that reticence does not necessarily impede group process; however, reticent individuals are seen as less effective participants and they are less likely to emerge as group leaders. Reviews research on reticence in group interaction and provides suggestions to instructors of small group courses on how to help reticent students participate.…

Group instruction increased knowledge of legal rights and services, ensured use of the Child Check Diary, and temporarily changed attitudes of parents of handicapped children in three rural towns. Mass media had no effect on either parent knowledge and attitudes or use of the diary. (Author/CL)