Two Nebraska teachers of grades 1 and 5 describe how their classes' joint Christmas project developed into an entrepreneurial experience. To raise money for toys for needy children, students applied for a bank loan, assembled bead kits for sale, and established costs and prices. The teachers took advantage of each new idea, turning "road blocks"…

Describes a first-year course in General Chemistry that incorporates the principles of active engagement and the learning cycle paradigm. Recommends student small-group instruction and guided-inquiry laboratory investigations. (WRM)

Focuses on how classroom teachers can instruct their students in essential reading and writing skills while using social studies as the medium for discussion. Offers a general overview of representative cooperative learning methods and a more in-depth description of a few specific reading and writing applications. Describes other potential…

Discusses the use of cooperative-learning groups with middle school students. Describes cooperative-learning techniques, including group roles, peer evaluation, and observation and monitoring. Considers grouping options, including group size and configuration, dyads, the think-pair-share lecture, student teams achievement divisions, jigsaw groups,…

Shares the mistakes and successes experienced by a Texas middle school as it worked for improved instructional quality and student achievement using cooperative-learning strategies. After examining the development of this venture, describes the program's Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) and Bilingual CIRC components, noting…

Clyde Virtual University, Scotland (CVU) is a test bed for exploring, developing and evaluating techniques for delivering learning materials, supporting collaborative learning and carrying out assessment over the Internet. CVU's first year of operation is reported on, in which an extensive educational Web site was designed and implemented.…

Argues that student ownership of drama/theatre work encourages an unparalleled level of commitment and collaboration. Discusses four criteria signifying student ownership; teacher reluctance towards student ownership; effective roles for the teacher; and student benefits from ownership in drama work. (SR)

This article reviews eight experimental studies on the effectiveness of cooperative learning as an instructional model for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD). The studies' methodological strengths and weaknesses are noted. The paper concludes that the effectiveness of cooperative learning for improving the academic achievement…

Describes formal, intensive small group activities in large college classes, as well as initiatives to redesign courses around small-group learning. Strategies include "jigsaw," structured controversy, problem-based cooperative learning, and restructured lecture-recitation-laboratory activities. Notes basis of such strategies in constructivist…

Describes "assigned conversations," a technique for inducing focused study of reading assignments outside of class by using them to structure cooperative learning in class. Individual students take responsibility for leading a class conversation about a portion of text. Application with both large and small classes indicated the method increases…

Describes an activity called the "Freedom Train": a simulation for eighth grade students that enables them to gain an understanding of the importance and dangers of the Underground Railroad. Explains that the project encourages students to work cooperatively while also reinforcing their research and map skills. Provides follow-up…

Studied the effects of open-book testing on instruction and student learning in an action research project involving 13 teachers and approximately 350 secondary school students in Norway. Results show open-book testing to be instrumental in strengthening understanding in both cooperative learning and more traditional classrooms. (SLD)

Describes a virtual experiment designed to introduce students to the theory and application of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the mean electrical axis (MEA). Students are asked to reduce and analyze data, calculate and plot the MEA, and answer questions in the inquiry-based, experimental activity. (Author/WRM)

Presents a description of and reflection on a transatlantic collaborative learning and teaching project (beginning with a chance meeting on the Internet) from each of the participants (two students and a teacher). Notes that the means of communication allowed a shift in traditional teacher-student relationships. (RS)

Reflects on research that investigated whether Mexican-American students with learning disabilities would be more cooperative with their Mexican-American peers than Anglo-American students with learning disabilities in cooperative learning situations (EC 618 919). The benefits of using cooperative learning situations are reviewed. (CR)