Reading comprehension training using the Question Answer Relationship (QAR) strategy approach was conducted with 23 third-grade children. Following QAR training, classwide peer-assisted sessions were held to practice asking and answering questions. Results found that all children improved their individual question generation and question answering…

Survey examined practices in colleges and universities to prepare physical education teachers. Over half recommended or required field-based coaching. Equal numbers of peer teaching experiences occurred in skill and pedagogy courses. Pre-student teaching field experiences generally occurred in urban sites. Students teachers received approximately…

Describes a 20-hour training program to prepare peer tutors to work in a writing lab. Analyzes conversations, actions, and reflections of nine peer tutors during the training period. Finds that making student discovery central to tutoring and to tutor training develops effective tutors. (SR)

This article describes the training procedure used in a preservice curriculum and methods course to prepare elementary education students to receive and provide peer coaching. Results are presented from a survey of students who participated in the peer coaching experience. In general, preservice teachers expressed positive feelings about the…

Four high school students who were peer tutors to students with severe disabilities received social interaction training and were then compared to four controls. The training increased the frequency of initiations of interactions from tutors, increased the proportion of social rather than task interactions, and increased targeted social behaviors…

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…

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)

Describes a multifaceted administrator leadership workshop that relies on case studies, role playing, and peer coaching exercises to enhance leadership skills. Administrators work collaboratively with staff members to analyze problems, prioritize needs, make decisions, and facilitate these three processes by using a repertoire of group dynamic…

Reviews research on reading fluency and provides recommendations for teaching reading skills to students with mild disabilities. Interventions that are discussed include repeated reading, peer-mediated instruction, computer-guided practice, previewing, and combined instruction. (Author/CR)

Examines how science teachers' (n=14) knowledge of science and science pedagogy changed after participation in a constructivist-based methods course. More-experienced teachers were paired with less-experienced teachers, and pre- and post-instructional concept maps, journals, portfolios, and transcripts revealed that, within the zone of proximal…

Describes a three-year project devoted to fostering semester-long e-mail exchanges between American and German college students. Based on the tandem approach to language learning, peer tutoring via e-mail helped improve students' writing ability and cross-cultural competence. Presents types of writing activities and suggestions for setting up…

This article describes peer coaching as a method for teacher improvement and offers guidelines for establishing a peer coaching program for early childhood and early childhood special education teachers and related services professionals. It also identifies common problems and possible solutions of peer coaching programs. Sample forms for use in…

The Coeur d'Alene (Idaho) school district's staff development program uses in-house expertise. Lead teachers mentor other elementary teachers in language arts while interns cover their classes. Teachers learn new teaching practices in their own classrooms, with their own students and materials, during the regular school day. A sidebar describes…

Investigated the effects of a peer network strategy on the duration of social interaction and social communication skills for three elementary students with autism. Results indicate increased social interaction time and use of an augmentative communication system for all three students, with increased expressive language for two students.…

Investigates the effects of children solving addition and subtraction problems collaboratively in contrast to solving problems on their own. Explores the effects of ability and gender on the outcomes of group collaboration. Presents and discusses the results. Includes references and an appendix. (CMK)