Noting that poor student motivation and problematic social skills may interfere with the academic growth of elementary school students, this action research project examined the impact of a multifaceted intervention on student motivation and achievement. Participating in the study were second and third graders from 3 schools. The 12-week…

This guide uses current brain research to show that some traditional instructional and assessment methods may actually work against the brain's natural way of learning. The guide shows how to enhance traditional methods of assessment using techniques derived from recent research on the brain. Practical approaches to assessment are illustrated with…

In this lesson, student teams research one of the species of early humans. Teams will create presentations that include information on physical traits, habitat, era, means of survival, culture, and relationship to modern humans. Students are provided with background information, detailed instructions, on-line resources, and reflection questions.…

This journal issue introduces key points in education from a humanistic and interdisciplinary perspective. Articles are in Spanish (one article is in English) and each one contains a brief abstract in English. Research studies included are: "Globalizacion, Desarrollo y Pobreza (Reflexiones desde la Libertad)" (Juan Jose Toribio);…

A study examined how to increase active participation in a language arts class, based on the belief that such an increase would lead to better test scores and better learning. Subjects included a class of 30 homogeneously grouped accelerated sixth grade students, which meets five days a week for 90-minute periods. During the study, the class was…

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two cooperative computer-assisted language learning (CALL) environments--face-to-face and distance cooperative CALL--on learners' spelling performance and learning attitude. Traditional classroom lecture learning and self-directed CALL environments were employed as control groups. Learning…

A class of 3- to 6-year-old children in a Midwestern child care center chose to study hair and hairstyling salons as a group project. This article discusses how the project evolved, describes the three phases of the project, and provides the teacher's reflections on the project. Photos taken during the project are included. (Author)

Many Australian university students who are preparing to teach elementary mathematics lack confidence in their own knowledge, understanding and use of mathematics. Such a lack of confidence appears soundly-based. In this paper, a compulsory mathematics course for elementary teachers in training is described, the aims of which are to build the…

The commonest context for the use of word processors with primary school children is collaborative small group work. The two major reasons for this organizational decision are resource-based (i.e. due to the scarcity of computers in the classroom) and educational, stemming from an increased use of cooperative learning methods. In order to improve…

This paper points to the teacher professional development practices in a networked classroom that become reality with the use of advanced telecollaboration tools such as Virtual-U and KnowledgeForum. Those tools support, extend, and strengthen the establishment of teacher learning communities and their collaborative inquiries. Those inquires are…

This document reports on the Videotape Classroom Study of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). This exploratory research project focused on eighth-grade mathematics instruction in Germany, Japan, and the United States, videotaping one complete lesson in each sampled classroom during the 1994-95 school year. The…

This study examined how learners constructed and used shared knowledge in computer-mediated and face-to-face cooperative learning, investigating how to facilitate the construction and use of shared knowledge through dynamic visualization. Forty-eight college students were separated into dyads and assigned to one of four experimental conditions…

Slogans are commonly used to advocate a point or view or a political stance. In education many slogans are used. One of these is the phrase "research shows that..." Many issues must be considered in interpreting research results, and the statement must be considered carefully. "Cooperative learning" is a slogan often advanced,…

Success for All is the most extensively researched of all comprehensive reform models for Title I elementary schools. It incorporates scientifically based principles of reading, cooperative learning, professional development, tutoring, and family support. Nevada elementary schools implementing the Success for All reading program made outstanding …

Success for All is the most extensively researched of all comprehensive reform models for Title I elementary schools. It incorporates scientifically based principles of reading, cooperative learning, professional development, tutoring, and family support. Schools in Upstate New York using the Success for All reading program continue to make…