Examines the literature on ability grouping and cooperative learning. Solid research evidence supports both. Ability grouping and cooperative learning should be used to address particular student needs. Selecting a variety of educational options to match the needs of each student would be the best way to serve all students. (SLD)

Presents ideas for class and research activities focusing on the 1992 presidential campaign and election, and the structure of the executive branch of the U.S. government. The activities use an across-the-curriculum, cooperative learning approach. (SM)

This article reviews the literature on cooperative learning and ability grouping for gifted students and concludes that grouping, in and of itself, does not affect achievement and that grouping decisions need to be based on educational choices according to students' individual needs. Schools are encouraged to provide both ability grouping and…

For many low-income and minority students, there is little continuity between schooling and the rest of their lives. Restructuring schools for equity challenges schools to establish greater congruence between themselves and students' homes. The role of effective-schools research, increased parent and community involvement, and increased teacher…

Describes a plan to split a problematic second-grade gifted class into two parts, fill the remaining seats with mainstream ESL children, and collaborate in teaching the classes. From the start, the children mingled socially and academically; student teachers could not tell which were from the initial gifted group. Heterogeneous grouping also paid…

Uses the theme of the postal service as a basis for connecting mathematics to art, social studies, children's literature, and real-life situations. Stresses communication and cooperative groups. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents a team-oriented student activity designed to introduce trigonometric ratios and applications of selected trigonometric functions by constructing tables of values. Can be used at the middle school level. (MKR)

Describes the creation of a computer-assisted course in introductory psychology. Discusses cost, availability, and requirements for hardware and software development. Provides a guide for teachers interested in developing such a course. Discusses student projects, a homework checker, exercises, and examinations. Argues that the technology frees…

Discusses a project using cooperative learning as a tool for building learning communities of minority teachers in Texas, describing academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills, and collaboration in relation to 50 teachers participating in the project. Cooperative learning and teacher empowerment brought teachers closer together in a short…

Increased use of cooperative learning methods is a visible change in mathematics education in the last decade. Research questions on cooperative learning concerning different models employed, their effectiveness compared to traditional methods of instruction, their effects on student achievement, and cognitive and affective benefits gained during…

Research on cooperative learning is reviewed, with emphasis on issues related to the formation and implementation of cooperative learning groups. Theoretical bases for the efficacy of cooperative learning are presented. Specific suggestions are provided for implementing a collaborative approach to learning based on extant theory and research. (SLD)

A way in which to shift the focus away from lecture and the professor during class time to student-centered discussion groups is presented. An exercise used in a course on chemical process analysis that uses the group discussion method is included. (KR)

Describes experiences of a fifth grade teacher who converted her classroom to a whole language teaching and learning environment. In her child-centered classroom, she emphasizes student empowerment and decision making, cooperative learning, and flexibility. Her top priority is for students to participate and learn critical thinking and…

Shows how picture books and other children's literature can make the Middle Ages come alive in an eighth grade class. Discusses the use of small groups and collaboration to help students complete and present research projects. Includes a 21-item annotated bibliography of books and other instructional material. (PRA)

Ripon College (Wisconsin) has developed "colearner" classes as part of the Advance College Experience held each summer for academically able and motivated children. Two classes (in ornithology and computer programing/problem solving) were offered to 15 children and their adult partners (parents, other relatives, or friends). Special…