Computers are valuable in meeting all students' needs within heterogeneous second-language classrooms, mainly because they allow for individualized learning, interactivity, learner independence, varied learning strategies, and heterogeneous teaching style. Computers help teachers challenge more able learners while supporting less able learners.…

A survey of technology instructors in junior and senior high schools determined the impact of adopting modular programs using individualized instructional materials (IIMs) on their teaching styles: teacher-directed methods decreased; use of student-oriented materials increased, while use of teacher-oriented materials decreased; frequency of…

Illustrates flexible grouping configurations, discussing how different perspectives and theories of peer learning are required to account for their intended effects. A classroom example is provided to illustrate each context discussed. The article also presents examples of an instructional strategy in one multiage classroom where the teachers…

Describes an after-school program designed to increase minority girls' interest in science and engineering. The program targeted seventh and eighth grade urban middle school girls and included such pedagogical practices as hands-on science, cooperative learning, mentoring, and role modeling by women engineers. Student surveys indicated that the…

Describes a Web-based tool, WebGuide, being developed to mediate and structure collaborative learning. This software uses an innovative mechanism to define a flexible system of perspectives on a shared knowledge construction space. WebGuide provides an electronic and persistent workspace for individuals and teams to develop and share distinctive…

Presents key questions reflecting research in first/second language acquisition and whole language principles: is curriculum organized around "big" questions?; are students involved in authentic reading and writing?; are students given choices?; is content meaningful?; do students work collaboratively?; do students read, write, speak, and listen…

Describes a virtual project designed at the 1996 Virtual Geography Project Workshop in order to determine if geographically distant students could work collaboratively on an assignment requiring asynchronous communication, joint library research, and hypermedia skills. Explains that the project was initiated and completed during a six-week period…

Stresses the need for all students, even ones with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to interact within cooperative learning activities. Asserts that cooperative groups help develop social studies knowledge, literacy skills, and global understanding. Presents practical suggestions for addressing the special needs of students with…

Examined the comparative efficiency of inquiry-group instruction and traditional teaching methods on Taiwanese junior high school students' achievement and attitudes toward earth science. Surveys of students in both groups indicated that students in the inquiry group had significantly higher achievement scores and significantly more favorable…

Struggling and frustrated teachers who desire to renew their teaching and engage students should make sound decisions concerning content, students, and methods. Engaging students in worthwhile content ensures the subject's relevance and value. Teachers have the power to recognize and encourage students who need their attention most. (MLH)

Maintains that reader response, a cooperative learning exercise where peers critique one anothers in- and out-of-class writing assignments, assists students in becoming better writers and enables them with some control over their education. Gives examples of how reader response can be used in the classroom and offers two handouts. (CMK)

Presents an analysis of undergraduate students' experiences in and attitudes toward small group learning in chemistry. Finds that small group learning activities provide a mechanism for students to build a feeling of community in the classroom. (Contains 21 references.) (WRM)

Examines the World Wide Web as a tool for encouraging collaborative group work in two teaching environments (high school and graduate school). Finds that the Web environment provided: (1) separations between individual contributions; (2) a structure for participation; (3) access to others contributions; (4) individual work space; and (5) equal…

Offers answers to 20 questions most frequently asked by faculty concerning supplemental instruction (SI) programs. Explains that SI instructors are usually students who have successfully completed a course that has been targeted as high-risk. States that students who attend SI sessions have a high course success rate overall, and that they persist…

Investigates the effects of individual versus cooperative learning on different aspects of 373 fifth-grade students' functioning: (1) cognitive; (2) affective; (3) metacognitive; and (4) social. Reports strong positive effects of cooperative learning on achievement and positive effects of cooperative learning in the cognitive level. (CMK)