Cooperative testing seems a logical complement to cooperative learning, but it is counter to traditional testing procedures and is viewed by some as an opportunity for cheating and freeloading on the efforts of other test takers. This study examined the practice of cooperative testing in introductory statistics. Findings indicate that students had…

Argues that assessment is not consistent with curricular or pedagogical reforms. Presents an assessment format and several variations that incorporate both individual and group work. Outlines a testing format that promotes the alignment of the assessment of student mathematical achievement and skills with some of the curricular reforms occurring…

In posttest results, 76 prealgebra students who learned about functions in a unit emphasizing multiple formats, anchoring learning in a thematic context, and problem solving in cooperative groups were more successful at problem solving and problem representation than were 56 comparison students conventionally taught. Similar results were found for…

To facilitate effective group learning, adult educators should understand group dynamics, group size and structure, process, expectations and ground rules, and learning styles. Cooperation, active learning, and creative problem solving are enhanced in group instruction. (SK)

Argues that research and the author's own experience show that working in groups and emphasizing learning about a topic helps students, especially low achievers, access and use information more effectively. Describes several forms of collaborative research for low achievers; offers guidelines for collaborative research; and presents an overview of…

Describes an approach that uses the learning cycle to meaningfully teach students about mineral properties while alleviating the tedious nature of identifying mineral specimens. Discusses mineral properties, cooperative learning, and mineral identification. (JRH)

Examines the effects of cooperative learning and enhanced communication on student performance, retention, and attitudes in general chemistry. Results indicate that cooperative homework, cooperative quizzes, electronic-mail communication, and open office hours were associated with significantly higher student retention and higher performance on…

Responses from 306 business students displayed very positive perceptions of teamwork. Both genders believe that teamwork in the classroom is an important part of their education. Both genders want the instructor to provide direction, but more females want students to chose their own team members. (Author/JOW)

Describes one multi-age classroom that includes children from 6-11 years of age (traditionally grades 1-5). Explains how this unique learning community began; how student groupings were established to promote social interaction and peer collaboration among a wide age span of children; what the class looked like in actual practice; and what the…

Summarizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in professional ethics, describes in detail the distinctive aspects of two University of Illinois ethics courses (Engineering Ethics and Professional Ethics), and discusses the pedagogical value of the collaborative fieldwork assignment in both courses. (EV)

Explains concept mapping as an instructional method in cooperative learning environments, and describes a study investigating the effectiveness of concept mapping on student learning during a photosynthesis and cellular respiration unit. Reports on the positive effects of concept mapping in the experimental group. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Examines the prosocial potential of a cooperative learning content-based English-as-a-Second-Language program in which native born and immigrant undergraduate pairs work to develop the immigrant students' academic English. (Author/VWL)

Contrasts the dominant view of distance education as mass production and independent study (industrial model) with an emerging view incorporating interactive communications technology and personalized and collaborative learning (postindustrial model). Argues that computer conferencing is the most feasible and effective postindustrial technology…

Discusses the importance of editorial policy to a high school publication, and provides personal anecdotes to reinforce the point. Outlines the editorial policy for Auburn High School, Auburn, Washington. (PA)

A nutrition unit was taught to high school home economics students (91 using cooperative learning and 106 controls). An achievement test immediately after instruction and a retention test three weeks later showed no differences in achievement, retention, or attitudes. (SK)