In British primary schools, it is unusual to find more than one computer in a classroom. As a result, children are assigned to small groups to use the computer. This research reported here sought to explore the characteristics of groupwork with computers and to provide guidance to teachers on computer use issues. This paper summarizes work from…

Despite the increasing popularity of cooperative learning techniques in elementary instruction, many educators believe that children do not possess effective group interaction skills and advocate that children be taught the group communication skills necessary for group interaction as a separate instructional component. Unfortunately,…

Many undergraduate courses can be easily modified for televised instruction. However, courses such as group work require weekly writing, have major expectations of practice, and necessitate immediate feedback, and so need considerable revamping for televised instruction. Ways to achieve this modification are covered here. The first consideration…

An individualized approach to second language reading instruction in a large class is described. First, characteristics of the large class as a teaching and learning environment are examined, and the instructional advantages of individualizing assignments are noted. Two forms of reading materials used with first-year college students are then…

This book offers 35 lesson formats for use in secondary or higher education settings and appropriate as alternatives to the usual "lecture-presentation." The formats draw on principles of collaborative and cooperative learning and concepts of group interaction and information processing. Most lessons require substantial…

This guide addresses how to make small-group time with young children a meaningful, active, and engaging learning experience for both children and adults. The guide's introductory chapter outlines guiding principles for successful small groups, discusses the mechanical aspects of small-group times, explains how adults find and develop ideas for…

Cooperative learning generally refers to students working together to achieve academic objectives and the instructional procedures that structure the students' collaborative efforts. Jigsaw is a cooperative learning model that involves small gruops of 5-6 students teaching each other subject matter about which they have become "experts"…

A literacy program was developed and conducted through the tribal library for the members of Santa Clara Pueblo (New Mexico). Two library staff members surveyed the community, developed a literacy program, and then implemented it. The program included both individual and group tutoring. The group classes were more successful, with 64 enrollees and…

Conditions under which the use of small groups in classrooms can be productive are suggested in this paper, which moves beyond the general question of small-group learning effectiveness. Part 1 offers a review of recent studies of interaction in cooperative groups, focusing on the following themes: interaction and achievement; task and…

A study replicated portions of the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council's pilot study that addressed the effectiveness of small group instruction. The study contrasted reading proficiency gain and personal goals accomplishment across two instructional modes: small group and traditional one-to-one instruction. Three group instruction sites were…

This manual is designed to aid teachers and those who work with teachers in developing classroom techniques and learning activities that make use of microcomputers and computer-assisted instruction. The first chapter describes the evolution of ideas and the development of a philosophy for computer use in the classroom. The second chapter offers a…

This adult literacy curriculum best serves groups of students, but is also effective for one-on-one tutoring methods. The material covers the history of broad form deeds in Kentucky (instruments with which coal rights, but not the farmlands above the coal, were sold to mining companies) and includes four personal narratives of Kentucky residents…

This study examined the use of heuristic problem-solving strategies in math by seventh-graders under three different conditions: working individually; working in groups; and working as cooperative teams. No significant differences were found for the three conditions over a 5-week experimental period on a problem solving post-text (the Maryland…

A method for planning multicultural lessons for both regular and gifted and talented students, and sample lessons, are presented. The approach was developed in order to introduce Hispanic culture through literature in a bilingual classroom. All materials are constructed based on Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. The lessons were…

Guidelines for two group activities are presented, one for high school and one for junior high school. The purpose of the activities, both of which follow the same format, is to introduce or review causes of the Civil War while reviewing and applying previously acquired skills and information about the newspaper. The procedure is described as…