Rural schools by structure and philosophy match the expectations and description of a learning community. Establishing a learning community in a rural school can create an atmosphere that encourages committed educators to grow through trust, respect, and collegiality. Recommendations are given for establishing high quality, ongoing professional…

Evaluated the usefulness of peer interaction on the development of professional knowledge among prospective secondary mathematics teachers. Data gathered from following two students involved in a teamed, field-based practicum over 11 weeks indicated that peer collaboration and collaborative reflection helped facilitate teacher development. Peers…

Presents a consultative model designed for providing behavioral supports to children with challenging behaviors. A rationale for the formation of behavioral support teams within school settings and strategies for promoting the on-going use of such a model are provided. The training of team members is also addressed. (Author/CR)

Analyzes the stories of three teachers/teacher teams who participated in a grant program designed to empower teachers to integrate technology in the classroom. Instead of experiencing empowerment, the teachers/teams experienced alienation. Two sources of alienation were: resources obtained by teachers through grant acquisition disrupted the…

Describes a study that explored learning in a Web-based online MBA (Masters of Business Administration) program and the structures necessary to support and enhance learning from the perspective of the learners. Findings indicated that the collaborative nature of the teamwork required provided major benefits as well as challenges for the students.…

Dialogue skills of 18 management students in a collaborative online activity were assessed using written reports summarizing dialogues and rubrics of dialogue-based behaviors. Students clearly exhibited the behaviors of information gathering, clarifying, checking understanding, personal connecting, and arriving and shared understanding. (SK)

Discusses various ways in which context may be interpreted to enhance learning and performance; illustrates domains of learning using a hockey team as an example; and suggests implications for learning, performance, and instructional design. Highlights include an ecological systems model; and examples of individual development, team learning, and…

Presents an abstract of a study that tried to determine what makes a school improvement team successful. Reports that six implications arose from the study's 17 conclusions, including the following: the team should identify and assign tasks to faculty and teams should clearly define school improvement goals. (Contains 36 references.) (NB)

A day-by-day account describes Camp Greentop's first 5-day adventure camping trip, which was attended by five individuals with disabilities and their counselors. The first day was spent in games and initiatives designed to develop communication, teamwork, and dependability. Other days were devoted to hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.…

Describes the development and implementation of the Academic Conference, a process-oriented grade-level team approach to accelerating student achievement at Oak Ridge Elementary School in Sacramento, California. (PKP)

Pre/post course evaluations by 35 students in an interdisciplinary geriatric training program delivered via distance methods indicated an increase in interdisciplinary team skills. Students working with older clients had better attitudes about teams and were motivated to seek additional training. Distance delivery enabled outreach to underserved…

A study of 355 supervisor-supervisee pairs in Thai health centers found that female subordinates who perceived emotional, informational, and material support from supervisors received higher performance ratings. Perceived organizational support, self-efficacy, and workplace location were also associated with performance. (Contains 51 references.)…

An experienced university fund raiser discusses the staff's role in dealing with potential donors, including developing donor awareness, knowledge, interest, involvement, and commitment; maintaining constant contact; using an effective tracking system to manage, coordinate, communicate, and stimulate major fund-raising activity; and encouraging…

A University of North Texas project used a team approach to develop a curriculum integrating academic subjects into vocational curricula. Ten teachers cooperated on integrated junior high/middle school lesson plans and classroom support activities. (JOW)

Battered by adversarial negotiation approaches, an assistant superintendent decided to work with a facilitator, focus on issues, and build trust and honesty into joint meetings. Living in harmony, using one's ears, setting a nice table, stemming rumors, knowing when to stop, and celebrating are essential. A sidebar outlines five steps to…