Chronicles and reflects on an attempt to implement the Reggio Emilia project approach in an all-day Head Start program. Uses the example of one child, "Jimmy," to discuss how the addition of small group time and project work to the program's curriculum taught children the value of relationships and collaboration. (EV)

This article describes downward and upward extensions of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) in reading, originally developed for Grades 2-6. Extensions have occurred for kindergarten, first grade, and high school. The rationale for development of PALS and why additional PALS activities were required to address younger and older students are…

Introduces the Magic in a Tube activity in which students formulate questions and practice science skills. (YDS)

Investigated the perceptions of the cooperative learning experience of a group of middle school learners who studied the rules and mechanics of English as a foreign language, according to the dynamic of the Student-Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD) cooperative strategy. Subjects were Lebanese EFL learners. Results indicated learners were…

Argues that careful assignment scaffolding combined with substantial training and ample opportunities for peer collaboration can make response groups a highly successful classroom practice. Describes what happened when some inexperienced students participated in peer response groups. Describes revisions that students made in their writing. (TB)

This second installment of an article on a collaborative project involving high school and elementary students focuses on cooperative learning techniques with computers in language arts. Topics include classroom design, hands-on learning, new teaching and learning perspectives, sample assignments, the down side of technology, and recommendations.…

Describes an activity in a learning how to learn (LHTL) graduate course at Northern Illinois University that involved attending a minor league baseball game. Through class discussion and experiential/participatory learning, the LHTL students gained greater insight into learning styles and the effectiveness of collaborative learning. (AEF)

This review includes recent research that manipulated features of cooperative learning as well as studies of the relationship between interaction in small groups and outcomes. The analysis examines the kinds of discourse that are productive for different types of learning and moves toward studies of task and interaction. (SLD)

Advantages of multiage classrooms include improvements in student self-concept, attitudes toward school, leadership, and social skills; reduced discipline problems; and individualized instruction. Implementation problems include entrenched teacher attitudes, including overdependence on textbooks, and the extra teacher training and planning time…

Suggests a reconsideration of the criticism of Japanese competition against the background of the Japanese educational system's highly developed learning culture. Considers some of the basic aspects of group-oriented communal learning in school, while also cautioning against a "monocausal" culturalism. (Author/CMK)

Introduces a study that identifies which learning styles are prevalent in biology majors. Uses the findings of the study to design a microbiology course. Presents activities that address the different learning styles. Uses self-assessment and portfolios for student evaluation. Includes recommendations for instructional improvement. (Contains 19…

Focuses on the feasibility of using authentic problem-based collaboration at a distance. Compares a traditional introductory instructional design (ID) course with a modified distance education course. Results indicate it is possible to enact authentic learning and distance collaboration within modified distance education when learners are advanced…

Describes a project in which band students rehearsing Anne McGinty's "Atlantis" explored the city by building a model. Explains that students worked in groups as researchers, poetry and story writers, designers of the city, builders of the city model, and thinkers charged with generating ideas. (CMK)

Discusses the experience a collegiate Music Educators National Conference (MENC) chapter had when running a musical petting zoo, which is an exhibit of musical instruments that passersby, under the guidance of "zookeepers" (the MENC students), are allowed to touch, handle, and attempt to play. Considers the success of the musical petting…

Describes the "Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking Project" which has now sent more than 70 volunteer teacher educators into 20 countries across Central Europe and Central Asia to help teachers to try out methods that foster active learning and critical thinking. Discusses support for the project, teaching strategies introduced,…