Contends that cooperative learning techniques lead to more student self-direction and active participation in the learning process. Reports on the experiences of three teachers using cooperative learning. Concludes that cooperative learning helps teach democratic principles and respect for cultural diversity. (CFR)

The University of South Carolina/Columbia responded to the concerns of a small group of students by establishing a permanent office of waste reduction and recycling. Students, faculty, and staff worked together to obtain a grant and matching funds to create a recycling system that reduces waste disposal costs substantially and uses existing campus…

Describes a pilot project of the Park/School Program which involved graduate students in environmental studies conducting field studies in ecology with 46 fifth graders. Provides an overview of the project's potential for effecting change inside and outside the classroom, and presents recommendations for future programs and research. (LZ)

A study investigated the relationship of social interaction and learning among women college students in a supplemental instruction program for science featuring a collaborative classroom structure. It was found that this culture of community and cooperation promoted intellectual risk-taking and connected understanding of concepts. Some new ways…

Describes a learning activity that is part of a curriculum developed for Indian students by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. The activity involves the proper protocol for picking mint, and includes objectives, background information, rules for gathering plants, materials required, evaluation, and additional learning activities. (LP)

Reports results of research of occupational stress among elementary school teachers. Identifies four factors that contribute to teacher stress: (1) pupil misbehavior, (2) time/resource difficulties, (3) professional recognition needs, and (4) poor relationships. Discusses the relationship between job satisfaction, career commitment, and job…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on administrative issues: delays, costs, disruption of work routine and behavior, and the need to bring in a senior management team. Recommendations are made for institutions with similar…

Advocates cooperative learning, rather than competitive learning, in the classroom. Offers an example of cooperative learning among nursery school children in Tenants Harbor, Maine. Discusses ways for teachers to facilitate cooperative learning in program and classroom design. (BB)

Chronicles the confusion and anguish of being caught between traditional Dominican culture and that of modern U.S. society. Relates the author's experiences at a community college, problems in "fitting in," and issues of identity as an immigrant student. (DMM)

Reports findings regarding home language environments of children in the longitudinal Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development project. Data about family practices concerning book reading, toy play, elicited reports, and mealtime conversations were gathered. Cases support a multi-componential view of language. (BB)

To support and guide young children's social and emotional growth, teachers can (1) model social behavior; (2) establish environments that encourage positive social exchange; (3) encourage children to become aware of the consequences of their behavior; (4) help children produce acceptable behavior; and (5) encourage children's development of…

The effects on children's school achievement of countercultural nonconventional family organization and parental values were studied in a 12-year longitudinal study of 146 nonconventional families and 43 2-parent conventional families. Strong commitment to meaningful values about the family lifestyle can protect children from risks that can…

Discusses the ideological and social grounding and effects of the NCTM's "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" and "Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics." Includes issues regarding the financial crisis in education, inequality in schools, the possibilities and limitations of a mathematics…

Studies how an urban school, the George A. Lewis Middle School, of the Roxbury section of Boston (Massachusetts) is changing its reputation. Under the process of controlled choice, the school is an example of how teacher professionalization can be a force for overall school improvement. (SLD)

Family functioning of 30 nonhandicapped and 30 learning-handicapped adolescents and their parents was examined through perspectives on adaptability, cohesion, and communication. Cluster analysis found five profiles of family functioning. Results emphasize the importance of considering adolescent and parent perspectives differently. (SLD)