Compared the effects of grouping sixth grade students with different levels of persistence on their ability to learn in cooperative learning groups while working at the computer. Reports results that indicated that average persisters interacted more than either high or low persisters and discusses implications for forming effective cooperative…

The LearningByDoing eClassroom[C] is a highly structured synchronous application for teaching and doing research on medium to large sized groups over the Internet and is an open system for content delivery. Forty students, four facilitators, and a principle instructor can successfully co-create an environment which processes interactions similar…

Examines the use of literate language, or a specific oral language register. Investigates the effect of peer collaboration and social context. Explains that seven- and eight-year-old children were placed in friend or non-friend groups and were observed during collaborative writing tasks. Includes references. (CMK)

Describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit (SPARK), a Web-based template developed to improve the fairness of team assessment and enhance students' learning from team tasks by allowing students to rate confidentially their own and their peers' contributions. Presents four case studies of SPARK…

The following strategies are presented for creating conditions in which gifted students consistently move forward academically: curriculum compacting and differentiating for gifted students in heterogeneous classes; pre-testing content; and allowing gifted students to be grouped together to work on alternative tasks during cooperative learning…

Investigates a graduate-level online course in which groups of four students were used to lead online discussions. The teams were examined for their ability to bring instructional design, discourse facilitation, and direct instruction to the discussion. Results indicate that the peer teams fulfilled each of the three roles and valued the…

Discusses group learning on the Internet and problems of unequal participation and describes the development of a Web-based learning system called NetShare (Networked Sharing Construction Environment) that uses a cooperative-competitive learning strategy to facilitate participants' equal contributions. Reports preliminary results of a study with…

Provides three teaching strategies that integrate technology into the curriculum: inductive teaching, cooperative learning, and mnemonics. (MG)

Eight examples of "pull-in" reading instruction are described, including side-by-side reading programs; mixed pull-in and pull-out instruction; and team teaching using basal materials, literature, and cooperative learning. The paper also describes the process of selecting classrooms for pull-in instruction, strategies for encouraging…

Suggestions are made for overcoming the problem posed by available mathematics computer software, which is primarily drill and practice and intended for use by one student at a time. Three commercial software programs are reviewed. (JD)

This section includes (1) "Time Saver Options" (Dishon and P. W. O'Leary), which outlines ways to teach cooperative skills; (2) "Getting Started--Tips from Teachers," a collection of ideas for all levels; and (3) "Cooperative Mathematics Lesson Plans" for developing problem-solving skills, fractions, word problems, and number concepts. (JD)

For enhancing student achievement, the most successful cooperative learning approaches have incorporated two key elements: group goals and individual accountability. Positive effects have been consistently found on outcomes such as self-esteem, intergroup relations, acceptance of academically handicapped students, attitudes toward school, and…

Describes an early intervention prekindergarten program for at-risk students stressing staff unity, a curriculum rich in developmentally appropriate activities, cooperative and mastery learning techniques, collaboration with teachers in the primary grades, intense parental involvement, and a comprehensive program evaluation. (MLH)

Discussion of the design considerations of educational software developers highlights considerations concerning educational needs. Topics discussed include interaction among learners, teachers, and software; learning processes; teachers' roles; effects of knowledge representation on learning and understanding; collaborative learning; curriculum…

Reports on research which examines the nature of the interaction between teachers and pupils when the Active Tutorial Work (ATW) strategy is used. Concludes that the teacher remains the center of the interaction whenever present in the learning group, despite the increased use of cooperative groupwork. Compares results with those obtained through…