Studied how features of student interaction and the way an individual student contributes to that interaction relates to the improvement of conceptual understanding in the domain of physics, focusing on the use of textbooks during collaborative work. Results for 56 high school students show that the use of textbooks had a negative effect on…

Describes a course titled "Writing for Change," in which students learn to write with purpose and penetration by examining changes in their own lives, by questioning and deconstructing cultural myths, by researching topics together, and by writing letters together to officials with the goal of effecting a change. (TB)

Results of a study conducted of 12 self-contained special education high school classes (n=74 students) indicated that cooperative learning was more effective than traditional noncooperative learning in improving academic achievement in these students with learning disabilities. Increased self-esteem in cooperative learning students was not found.…

Discusses whether verbal interaction is recognized as the source from which co-operative groups draw their power to facilitate mathematical learning. Reflects on a group in a mathematics course for prospective secondary teachers focused on problem solving where silence was commonplace. (ASK)

Studied gender and social comparison effects in computer-based problem solving in studies involving 62 11- and 12-year-olds working in pairs on computers without verbal interaction (co-action) and 96 children working in co-action or interaction pairs. Polarization of sex differences was found in the co-action condition but not the interaction…

One of the biggest obstacles to technology use in education is the attitude that computers are--just one more thing to do--in an overloaded day. Argues that a cooperative-learning atmosphere and teacher willingness to take risks will increase technology integration at all levels of education. (PEN)

Lists and discusses the functions that cooperative quizzes can serve if structured correctly. The quizzes can facilitate a greater understanding of the subject, promote better test-taking skills, and be used as a mechanism to foster cooperative groups. (DDR)

Describes the problem based learning (PBL) approach in medical education and discusses learning and study skills in PBL. (YDS)

Examines the kind of peer learning that demands high-level cognitive processing, discussing how peer interaction influences cognitive processes (structuring peer interaction and using guided reciprocal peer questioning); how to promote cognitive processing (knowledge construction and integration and socio- cognitive conflict); metacognition; and…

Solutions for evaluating student team members who do not contribute equally include the following: eliminate group projects, monitor group meetings, build teamwork skills, give all members the same grade, and have students evaluate other members' contributions. A survey of 68 students found that 80% were not motivated by peer evaluation but…

Explores how university disability professionals can assist advertising or public relations campaigns teachers in accommodating the Learning Disabled (LD) student in the team or group-based learning situation to foster a cooperative environment among students and faculty. Attempts to open the discussion about what faculty should consider when…

Illustrates how dyads and group discussions can build student confidence and bring out the mathematician in all students. Dyads provide the structure and opportunity for all to develop their potential. (ASK)

Discusses the cultural and language diversity of young adolescents. Outlines 10 steps to foster a multicultural (or macro cultural) perspective in all students at the middle school level, strategies that build on students' diversity to create a positive and cooperative learning environment. Describes a cooperative activity that promotes…

The World Wide Web makes available language learning activities that are ready-made by language teachers, are freely available, and can immediately serve educators as instructional, enrichment, and/or review tools. Describes one site that was created by a foreign language educator in Canada that includes a myriad of activities for use in high…

Reviews advantages and disadvantages of group projects. Reviews basic tenets of teamwork design, including the "forming, storming, norming, and performing" stages of team development. Notes that carefully defined teams and projects may offer a solution. Includes a 28-item bibliography of helpful resources for teamwork. (SR)