Advocates alternatives to lectures for developing hands-on, interdisciplinary industrial technology practitioners. Discusses the efficacy of contextual methods such as cooperative, cross-functional, and experiential learning. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

Suggests a model for the learning and reinforcing of algebraic manipulative skills through the intensive use of group work using computer algebra systems (CAS). Suggests a model for assessing students through group work, for using the TI-92 as a self-assessment tool, and in cross-curricular activities. (Author/ASK)

Examines the interactions of two focus students with others in their cooperative base groups as students designed, carried out, and interpreted scientific investigations. Indicates that their group interactions were not entirely positive and describes difficulties and inequities they faced. Offers suggestions as to how educators can help prepare…

The lab described in this article was developed to satisfy two major goals. First, the activity is designed to show students the proper techniques used to identify the seven characteristics of all minerals. Second, the lab gives students a glimpse into the life of a professional field geologist. The author has students complete this lab at the end…

Background: Constructivist approaches to learning focus on learning environments in which students have the opportunity to construct knowledge themselves, and negotiate this knowledge with others. "Discovery learning" and "collaborative learning" are examples of learning contexts that cater for knowledge construction processes. We introduce a…

Unlike journals and notebooks, scrolls allow for changes over time to be seen at once, providing students with a complete view of phenomena. Pages can inadvertently segment both the process of investigation and the content being investigated. Scrolls are excellent tools for documenting and displaying the continuity of natural processes that…

This study applied expectancy theory to integrate the numerous and disparate explanations that researchers and educators have proposed to account for teacher resistance to implementing cooperative learning as an educational innovation. The cooperative learning implementation questionnaire (CLIQ) contained 48 items grouped under three broad…

Experts agree that reading is the most important skill children must acquire. However, as the popular press often chides, there are millions of U.S. students who struggle to read and comprehend adequately. As a result, these students risk both school and workplace failure. Research confirms that good readers actively comprehend and simultaneously…

This article describes an alternative way of teaching about biomes by having students become expert biogeographers. In order to become experts students need to first find out what a biogeographer does. Doing an online search lets students find out for themselves what the responsibilities are of people who work in this field. A good place to visit…

This article describes a cooperative learning approach for instructing communication disorders students about professional issues. We developed case studies characteristic of the complex professional issues encountered in employment settings. We assigned students to cooperative learning groups to examine their assigned case study; collect and…

The complexities involved in writing mathematics problems and a cooperative learning activity that gives students the challenge of writing mathematical logic problems for their peers is discussed. Making students construct mathematics problems taps into several important skills in mathematics and students are asked to consider what it means to…

Collaborative learning is widely used in elementary classrooms. However, when working without technological support, some problems can be detected. We describe how weaknesses in coordination, communication, organization of materials, negotiation, interactivity and lack of mobility can be solved with a mobile computer supported collaborative…

A laboratory exercise incorporating biological keying into student learning, where students work together in cooperative learning setting is presented. The exercise fosters cooperative learning and accountability because the whole group is responsible for the final product.

The author used qualitative research methods to explore an 8th-grade mathematics teacher's personal definition of cooperative learning and the enactment of cooperative learning in his classroom according to that definition. Data collection involved interviews and classroom observations. The author used coding schemes and descriptive statistics for…

A mother and daughter share their insights on what American schools can learn about cooperative, student-centered, problem-solving approaches to instruction from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter books. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)