Describes three games for all ages, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing where appropriate. The games demonstrate the tenets of adventure programming, involve group…

Describes the author's experiences incorporating cooperative learning strategies into a chemistry course. Includes information on organizing student working groups, preparing for and implementing cooperative activities, and helping students evaluate the effectiveness of their groups. (WRM)

Discusses advantages to the whole-faculty study-group process, which involves small groups that meet regularly to focus on some area of educational improvement. The paper presents 15 whole-faculty study-group process guidelines, and it concludes that study groups can help teachers accomplish together what they are already expected to do. (SM)

Discusses the importance of cooperative learning, focusing on what is and is not a cooperative effort; types of cooperative learning; an example of integrated use of cooperative learning; cooperative schools; basic elements of cooperation; and what is known about cooperative efforts (related to achievement, interpersonal relationship, and…

Increasing reliance of corporations on teamwork and peer evaluation of job performance requires the acquisition of these skills in high school. Article describes the Peer and Self-Evaluation System for informing teachers about group interaction from student view. This method of evaluating group work can be used in most subject matter areas, and…

Cross-disciplinary teams formed by 29 engineering and 45 business/statistics/human ecology students conducted quality improvement projects. Different levels of commitment and interest were apparent; most had difficulty scheduling meetings with team members, clients, and instructors. Nearly all spoke highly of the learning experience. (SK)

Interviews with executives in 12 companies on new worker knowledge and skills indicated that entry workers need to have greater communication skills, team-oriented skills, cross-functional/interdisciplinary perspective, receptivity to change, and intercultural awareness. (SK)

Examines commitment levels of nursing home workers and explored the association between commitment and seven characteristics, such as styles of teamwork. Results indicate that styles of teamwork, educational background, and role clarity were significantly associated with commitment. Differences in the commitment levels across these variables were…

Teachers at a central California high school operate the school according to a strict, progressive set of principles. The Anzar communication guidelines specify teachers' commitment to communicating well, collective ownership of problems and problem solving, tolerance of differing ideas, individual accountability, dedication to helping and…

Discusses interdisciplinary team collaboration for teachers, including structuring a successful team meeting, the 10-step interdisciplinary problem-solving meeting, evaluation of team collaboration, and effective team communication. (SR)

A study investigated the impact of the use of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) by seven individual student-planning teams on students (ages 5-13) with deaf-blindness educated in inclusive classes with individually determined support services. Greater implementation of decisions made using VISTA increased the likelihood of…

Argues that schoolwide interventions can potentially buffer students from violence outside of schools and prevent violence within schools, and examines the Comer School Development Program (CSDP) as an example of a successful schoolwide intervention. It reveals how the CSDP creates a "safe haven" that supports healthy development,…

It is impossible to change from a discipline policy of constraint to one of consent and engagement if students lack a legitimate voice in school governance. In middle schools, the "Dream Team" approach can employ sociograms to identify the most broadly respected and most socially isolated students. A student-centered pedagogy enhances…

To address concerns that cooperating teachers are increasingly reluctant to relinquish control of their classrooms and curriculum decisions to student teachers, the senior internship program at one university was redesigned. The new model optimizes teacher-student interaction by following a teaming approach during the internship. The teaming model…

This article outlines a variety of communication strategies for effective collaboration in school settings, including conducting a needs assessment, providing professional development, producing newsletters, forming study groups, and conducting small-group dialogues. Topics for conversation are discussed and sample needs assessment items are…