A common and frustrating problem for most teachers is that despite sincere attempts to meet the needs of all students, many students elect not to participate in classroom learning activities. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether one type of learning activity generates more participation among middle school science students,…

Input must be both contextualized and natural if it is to be coterminous with actual communication, in which interlocutors participate in a cooperative and dialogic process. However, when input becomes decontextualized, discourse shifts to a superficial plane. As is commonly the case in theater, verbal act meaning in the classroom setting is…

This paper provides practical advice for making online discussions educationally durable. This advice focuses on all stages of online discussions from designing the assignment guidelines through summative evaluation. While this practical advice is grounded in the author's experience, it is more substantively grounded in a framework defining…

The question of why only English teachers and their students study Herman Melville's novel, "Billy Budd," is raised in this paper. The book offers insights and fundamental social questions for students in secondary school social studies. Suggestions are offered as to how social studies teachers (with their perspectives, concerns, and…

Although foremost among the benefits of cooperative learning is improvement of student academic achievement, additional affective benefits may further convince teachers that the value added by cooperative learning is worth the effort. This study examined the effect of an 8-month cooperative learning intervention on children's friendship choices in…

The papers contained in this document cover the following topics related to preservice teacher education and technology: an initiative to improve technology education in Michigan; computer technology courses; uses of information technologies in an Australian degree program; use of an electronic bulletin board; discovering South Dakota through…

"Introduction to Aerospace and Design" is a 3-hour per week freshman elective course at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that culminates in a Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) vehicle design competition, exposing freshmen to the excitement of aerospace engineering design typically taught in the junior or senior years. In addition to the…

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. Michigan 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 and mathematics instruction, cooperative learning, professional development, tutoring, and family support. Ohio schools implementing the Success for All reading program…

This article reports the results of a study conducted to examine the use of small group learning strategies in an online college course. The study examined the effect of four types of positive interdependence and the affiliation motive on learning and attitude in an asynchronous, collaborative learning environment. Results indicated no significant…

The goal of this paper is to advocate that cooperative learning be a key, but not the only, methodology used in peace education. Two reasons will be put forward to support this view. First, research has shown that cooperative learning promotes positive educational outcomes generally. Second, cooperative learning is harmonious with peace education…

Explored methods for helping students generate conceptual mathematical explanations during peer-mediated learning activities. Three groups (one with training in elaborated help, one with additional training in providing conceptual explanations, and one control) were compared after 18 weeks on mathematics achievement. Found that students with…

High school students in the SAXophone (Students All over the world eXchanging over the phone) Project use videoconferencing to discuss local culture, science, literature, and environmental issues. A virtual field trip and other activities, planning, and future projects are described. (AEF)

John Dewey's "Democracy and Education" suggests an approach to civic education using techniques commonly adopted in today's undergraduate education, including community service, problem solving, and collaborative learning. Community service is an important way to foster civic engagement in young Americans. If American higher education is…

Illustrates benefits of online class projects and describes different types of projects, including: collaborations, data collection or exchange, mentoring projects, vicarious adventures, and one-time-only events. Discusses where to find such projects and selection criteria, designing projects, and signs of success. (AEF)