Discusses environmental resource assessment research conducted by undergraduate students as part of a non-science majors' chemistry course at Santa Clara University. Describes project procedures and course grading, chemistry connections, learning goals and outcomes, and implementing change on campus. (WRM)

Demonstrates that computer-based lecture (CBL) can enhance student learning in economics courses. Addresses various tools and techniques that teachers can utilize, such as assisted notetaking and presentation materials. Considers four active, collaborative exercises that can be facilitated through CBL techniques. Includes reactions by Gisela Meyer…

A discussion of collaborative peer teaching as a method of college instruction looks at theoretical support for the approach and describes experiences with three courses using it: freshman composition; American studies; and international diversity. Perceived benefits of the experiences for both teachers and students are examined. (MSE)

Two studies examined effects of four setting events and two organismic variables on the social behavior of children (ages 9 and 10) with developmental disabilities and autism. Results indicated that peer dyads; cooperative peer intervention; and triads, which included two high-status nondisabled peers, were most effective in promoting positive…

To make group learning situations more equitable, teachers can create a mixed set of expectations for everyone. To carry out this intervention, teachers must choose an appropriately rich cooperative task and convince students that it involves many different intellectual abilities, no one has all of these abilities, and everyone will have some of…

Teachers of English as a Second Language in a Malaysian postsecondary institution describe their experiences with introducing cooperative learning activities and related techniques. Focus is on the variety of techniques used in different learning situations. The contexts were culturally diverse classrooms, and shy student populations with passive…

Two aptitude-treatment interaction studies involving 61 college students examined comparative effects of metacognitive strategy training in self-questioning within cooperative group learning and traditional direct instruction on the acquisition of computing competence, learning anxiety, and positive cognition. Results support including cooperative…

Examines the effects of peer-tutoring training on elementary school student communication and collaboration skills when used in conjunction with cooperative learning. Within six classes in an inner-city school, cooperative learning pairs were randomly assigned to two groups (control and training). Findings showed that, in general, the training…

Describes how students in a rural Missouri high school collaborated online with students in an urban New York high school to create a mural in real space that celebrates the strengths of their two communities. Students had to conduct research, create a design, and then paint collaboratively via the Internet. The project forced them to address…

Presents four case studies to examine how first and second graders worked together using source texts to write their own informational books. Concludes that all four pairs of students were successful in many ways. Notes how the students saw themselves as experts, and were able to see firsthand how important reading and writing were in their…

Introduces a Storm Trackers unit that uses actual hurricane data to track hurricane movements. Uses an inquiry-based teaching approach in a cooperative learning environment. (YDS)

Compares two formats for modeling how peers can critique each other's works, one that follows a traditional sequence of drafting, peer response, teacher conferences, and revision, and the other a revised version of this approach in which teacher conferences precede peer responses. Finds that training students in peer response groups during teacher…

Describes efforts to include cooperative learning and multimedia in a general chemistry lecture course at the State University of New York College at Oneonta. Highlights include the need for a new course design due to declining student performance, the use of presentation software, costs, student reactions, and differences in teaching styles. (LRW)

The Consortium Interactive Research on Collaborative Learning Environments (CIRCLE) project was designed to develop a model of four-way collaborative distance learning that places relatively small demands on university technological resources. Results of trials indicated that interaction over high bandwidth video channels worked well with little…

Reviews provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and recent court decisions related to inclusion of children with disabilities in typical classrooms; considers various definitions of inclusion; outlines the positions of various proponents and opponents; identifies some problematic issues; proposes criteria for inclusion plans;…