Reports on the experience of using the Patchwork Text strategy in a modular course structure. The idea was to provide formative feedback for the students who traditionally complain that all the assessment occurs at the end of the module. A surprising side-effect was that students were clearly studying earlier in the module. (Author/AEF)

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Argues that teacher education institutions must assure the multicultural sensitivity of their graduates. Suggests that institutions with little cultural diversity provide collaborations with students of color in other institutions through use of e-mail, photos, and videos, a process that will help break down cultural stereotypes. Contains 17…

Discusses the history of Integrated Learning Systems (ILSs) and their effectiveness, and offers suggestions for their design and implementation when used with students of color. Topics include costs; instructional effectiveness and student achievement; demographic trends; cultural considerations in ILS design; cooperative learning; and cultural…

A discussion of alternative evaluation techniques looks at tests that college students retake at home immediately after completing in class; exams requiring thoughtful application; group multiple-choice tests; paired testing; answer justification; a variety of take-home exams; immediate feedback; cost/benefit testing; retesting; and reaction or…

Described is a way to modify the classroom environment so that females and minorities are more encouraged to participate in activities. The use of cooperative skills are emphasized such as active listening and checking for understanding. (KR)

Examines how student worksheets provided by the Museum of London could be implemented in Michigan museums. Stresses the value of field trips to museums and worksheet exercises: student participation, cooperative learning, and personal development through discovery. Describes worksheet sets. Proposes learning activities using worksheets at the…

Discusses the use of cooperative learning in advanced journalism and broadcasting courses. Presents two one-semester studies, "snapshots" of how a group of students tackled team reporting and how a group of broadcast regulation students dealt with group argumentation. Notes the lack of serious theoretical development to guide journalism…

Curriculum modifications are presented, along with empirical support when available, for teaching spelling vocabulary to students with learning disabilities. The article discusses selecting words to be learned, daily testing and practice of small word sets, strategy training, self-regulation, motivation, students helping each other, and frequent…

Describes a map activity for studying the nine nations of the United States using cooperative learning techniques. The concept of geographic region is discussed and linked to the term "nine nations." Lesson plan, student worksheets, maps, and other materials are included. Indicates the software used to produce maps. (KO)

Classroom action research provides preservice and inservice teachers with a valuable form of teacher-centered professional development. Results of a case study are related; action research was applied to the question of student cooperation in an elementary classroom. The research format includes four stages: plan, act, observe, reflect. (IAH)

Discusses instructional considerations of group size for computerized instruction. Situations calling for individual use, small group use, and large use of computers are described; individualistic, competitive, and cooperative learning are explained; peer tutoring versus teacher guidance is examined; and courseware selection is discussed. (eight…

Describes a study conducted at the University of West Florida with the Navy that investigated the effects of cooperative tutoring on academic performance. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, and performance based on cognitive style as determined by scores from the Group Embedded Figures Test is discussed. (24…

The University of Wyoming English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program replaced a laboratory drill with a weekly, one-hour writing tutorial (WT) in which small groups of ESL students meet with a writing tutor. The role of the WT in community building and developing writing and oral skills is described, along with sample questions for a WT group.…

Describes two studies that explored the effects of cooperative and individualized structures on college student learning and attitudes in a simulated distance education environment. Highlights include computer-mediated communication, gender differences, differences between distance education and traditional instruction, and future research needs.…