Integrated distributed learning environments (IDLEs) have emerged with the Internet and the World Wide Web. They are primarily based on a collaborative learning instructional paradigm rather than the self-instructional model of multimedia authoring systems. As such, they make extensive use of the asynchronous and synchronous collaborative tools…

Studied effectiveness of a cooperative-learning approach designed to foster strategic reading and social studies learning, in three heterogeneous, culturally and linguistically diverse, fourth-grade classrooms. Found that the experimental-group students made greater gains than control-group students in reading comprehension, and equal gains in…

Developed and evaluated an explicit approach to teaching students to engage in elaborated help-giving during collaborative group work in reading. Found that grade level and treatment exerted statistically significant and practically sizable effects on the help that students provided their peers. (Author/LPP)

Describes teaching that encourages students to pose and solve authentic questions about science and math, describe the impacts of the academic and social culture in which they live, and use technology both in the design of their investigations and to communicate their findings. The Heron Network is comprised of the Web sites constructed by these…

Investigates the effects of implementing individual and small-group learning structures with a computer simulation in college accounting. Results indicate students working alone expressed significantly more continuing motivation for their learning structure than did partnered students; students using extensive small-group structure exhibited…

Focuses on three students engaged in a group task to develop a concept map on hypermedia-related concepts. Examines how each of the students--grouped together based on their learning style and cognitive control differences--influenced construction of the group concept map. Concludes that the "Assimilator/Field-Independent" student was the most…

Presents an activity designed to improve students' basic mathematics, reading, and reasoning skills while involving them in the application and understanding of human geography concepts. Describes the activity's background, place in the curriculum, development, implementation, and learning outcomes. Provides the activity in a form ready for…

Reports on three studies that investigate the effects of teaching mathematics in a mixed-ability setting on student achievement and teacher attitudes. Concludes that students' achievements need not be compromised in a heterogeneous setting. Participation in the project workshops also had a positive effect on teachers' attitudes toward teaching…

Investigates whether and how collaborative learning at the computer fosters conceptual change. Employs a suite of computer-simulation programs developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Grade retention is ineffective. It is often imposed for nonacademic reasons, fails to improve academic achievement, and exacerbates the dropout problem. Social promotion is equally ineffective at providing appropriate instruction for low-performing students. Feasible alternatives include group problem solving, personalized instruction, and…

Examines a relatively new form of cooperative learning, "foreign exchange," which is designed to maximize both cognitive and social development in students with and without disabilities in inclusive classrooms. The strategy is described, and an example of how it has been used is provided. (Author/CR)

Describes a simulation exercise designed to illustrate the influence of founder effects, genetic drift, and gene flow. Also presents strategies for using cooperative learning in large lecture settings. (WRM)

Examines students' beliefs about knowledge, and their motivation, learning strategies, and academic performance in two instructional contexts in introductory Calculus classes. Sophistication of epistemological beliefs was positively correlated with motivation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and grades. Students in the more active, cooperative…

Describes how previously trained teachers, principals, and professors work with educators at different stages of development to implement successful cooperative learning. Examines four staff development stages in cooperative learning (awareness, trial and experimentation, growth and maintenance, and renewal) and specific activities of key role…

Describes the implementation of student active-learning methods into sections of mainstream, introductory general-chemistry courses. Discusses strategies used, including an absolute grading scale, use of informal "ConcepTests" in lectures, cooperative learning workshops, cooperative take-home examinations, and a student advisory…