The 15-year history of research and application in cooperative learning in primary and middle schools in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel is described. A specific application is discussed of some cooperative learning structures in a postsecondary foreign language classroom. (12 references) (Author/LB)

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

Describes having students write an organizational analysis paper as part of a collaborative writing project in a human relations course. Discusses initial group formation and outlines the project. (SR)

The verbal interactions among pupils engaged in problem-solving tasks were studied in an attempt to explore the effectiveness of small-group learning in science. Interactions were predominantly task related, but their content rarely rose above the level of "factual information" interchange. Information exchange at higher cognitive levels…

Promotes student-as-teacher strategies in general, while extending their definition to include the peer teaching arrangement usually referred to as "group study." Cloze passages and rehearsed dictee are examined as well as the theoretical suggestion that these exercises are especially apt to encourage a variety of learning styles. (six references)…

Discusses a pilot study conducted to determine whether cooperative learning had a beneficial effect on the academic performance of minority students and subsequent enrollments in the elective courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. Minority students average GPA increased from 2.13 (n=39) to 2.96 (n=17). Enrollment in aforementioned courses…

Cooperative learning can help children understand and accept children of other races. In cooperative learning, students work in small teams with students of differing abilities and help each other master material. The highly structured format involves five elements: positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual and team…

The emergence of collaborative/cooperative learning (CL) in higher education from intuitive practice to a conscious and well-developed approach is reviewed. Three salient issues are identified: the need for more theoretical understanding of CL; the need to increase its institutional impact; and the use of CL for enhancing democracy and civic…

Narrates one teacher's move from high school to eighth-grade English. Describes a method for teaching middle school students how to write collaboratively. Provides details of writing assignments, units, and techniques successfully utilized, including publishing a teenage magazine. (HB)

Explores the language learning and social adaptation of five immigrant women by using diaries and critical dialogue for collaborative research. Highlights the construct of social identity as central to the adaptation process. Advocates critical reflection by students on the process of identity negotiation, especially through diary-keeping. (HB)

Describes an effective literature circle program from Australia that widens secondary school students' horizons. Suggests that they bond together as a community of readers as they develop new reading strategies and a positive attitude about reading. (SR)

Evaluated the effectiveness in a community college of the Professional Development Program, in which (n=80) mostly minority precalculus students attend workshops utilizing small study groups, faculty leadership, challenging mathematical materials, and peer support networks. No overall effect on student performance was found. Includes postinterview…

Describes a transformational geometry project in which groups of students explore symmetry, reflections, translations, rotations, and dilations to design and create one hole of miniature golf large enough to play on. Includes unit plan for transformational geometry. (MKR)

Discussion of cooperative learning focuses on the use of Learning Circles on the AT&T Learning Network and its effects on teachers. The use of computer networks to link classrooms for learning activities is described and benefits of such activities for teachers are discussed, including knowledge acquisition, developing new instructional…

Presented is an activity in which students work in research teams to gather data, integrate computer analyses, and discover the relationships between variables by using a second class lever. A diagram of the lever, a list of processes involved in this activity, and an idealized data table are included. (KR)