Outlines the author's experiences of introducing the Patchwork Text in the teaching of a module about the sociology and politics of education. A clear focus in the paper is on the role of the student as an active agent and of working with Patchwork Texts as a way in which students can take ownership of their learning processes. (Author/AEF)

Evaluates use of the Patchwork Text assessment format in a module taught at the beginning of a post-qualifying degree program for community specialist nurses. The aim of the module was to provide students with a theoretical understanding of the different types of knowledge that might inform their practice. Comparative material is presented to show…

Describes and evaluates the introduction of the Patchwork Text assignment in the assessment of a Masters-level course on Intercultural Management taught to students of various nationalities and linguistic/cultural backgrounds as part of a Masters-level business education program. Begins by addressing the question of whether the Patchwork Text…

Explores the complexity of researching networked learning in higher education. Suggests that no single theoretical model currently available is sufficiently powerful to provide a framework for a research agenda that takes into account key aspects of human agency. Presents findings of a multi-method analysis of the learning and tutoring processes…

Describes the aim, preparation, and procedures of five cooperative learning activities for educating teachers of English as a foreign language. Reports that the activities integrate content and methodology, motivate student teachers, and maximize communication, reinforcement, and cognitive work. Documents the prospects and problems of…

This article discusses activities developed for the "Theme Scheme," an instructional program for elementary and middle school children at risk for failure. "Theme Scheme" is a listening and reading comprehension program that uses peer-assisted learning strategies and writing exercises to teach students to understand text at an…

Studied the process of implementing a cooperative games program in kindergarten settings. Children's responsiveness was dependent on the enthusiasm of the teachers who implemented the program. (BG)

Assesses kindergarten teachers' familiarity with and attitudes toward several emergent literacy concepts. Finds that less experienced teachers indicated greater familiarity with target concepts, as did teachers holding master's degrees. Finds that subjects least familiar with the concepts were more likely to serve as training teachers for…

In response to our technological society, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommends decreasing drill and reliance on multiple-choice tests and increasing problem solving and real-world applications. Other recommendations include simulation software to provide mathematical challenges, collaborative learning, and alternative…

Discusses the peer approach to teaching writing with adult students. Discusses theoretical ideas about adults-in-transition, particularly women, that make the peer approach important to their education. Describes specific instances in which the peer approach has been used successfully with adults. Discusses student response to the process. (JS)

Discusses the rationale for cooperative learning and examines the teacher's role in creating groups. Provides examples of cooperative learning experiences in an integrated unit and as applied to computer education. Lists the advantages of using cooperative learning, while noting its pitfalls. Cautions that cooperative learning should be used in…

Investigates the conditions under which positive interdependence enhances or interferes with individual success and overall group productivity on a computer-assisted problem solving task. Results indicate that both positive goal and resource interdependence increase success in performance of tasks. (KO)

Investigates the relationship between student talk in cooperative learning groups and the learning of complex cognitive tasks. Studies 2 classrooms of 51 students in which a social studies unit designed to assess the development of problem-solving skills in a cooperative learning environment was administered. Reports a strong correlation between…

Discusses the educational benefits of cooperative learning, critiquing cooperative learning techniques and approaches. Identifies steps involved in successful teacher implementation of cooperative learning. Provides an elementary and secondary cooperative lesson plan and activities from the Learning Together approach on the U.S. Constitution,…

Discussed is the management of cooperative learning groups in an elementary school science classroom. Rules for classroom behavior and benefits that can be derived from using this method are suggested. (CW)