Outlines a constructivist model for teaching basic mathematical concepts and processes to underprepared college students. Explores five types of classroom interaction incorporated into the model, including peer teaching, interactive teaching, and independent learning. Reports on an assessment of the constructivist approach at the University of…

Presents a study of the cooperative learning method "Jigsaw II." Reports superior academic achievement effects are inconsistent with poorer results reported in earlier studies. Discusses a modification incorporating a group goal achievable only by contribution of all group members. Concludes that cooperative learning must include a group…

An adolescent with moderate mental disabilities tutored a seven year old in arithmetic. The peer tutoring program increased the mathematics performance of the first grader, successfully integrated the adolescent into a more typical classroom environment, improved the accuracy of the tutor's mathematics performance, and resulted in changes in…

Reports on a study of peer teaching through small group instruction in a college level psychology program. Describes how upper level undergraduate students designed, implemented, and evaluated projects to teach psychology to introductory students. Finds that both the introductory and advanced students enjoyed the experience and recommended that…

This study evaluated a cross-age peer tutoring intervention using four low-achieving grade-four students as tutors and three grade-three students reading at grade level. Tutors and tutees all improved their sight word performance substantially. All participants reported they liked the program and tutors also improved in self-concept. (DB)

A program in which first-year pharmacy students "shadowed" fourth-year students in clerkships for a day found the shadowing experienced did not significantly improve students' ability to master course objectives, but the introduction of younger students to practice areas of pharmacy was seen as very beneficial. (Author/MSE)

The GESA (Gender/Ethnic/Racial Expectations and Student Achievement) program is a staff development program to aid teachers in identifying and removing classroom biases. GESA utilizes peer coaching and a team approach and has resulted in teachers reporting positive effects upon student attitudes and achievement. (DB)

Effects of previous training and experience in peer tutoring on student interactions were studied for 16 elementary school classes. Student dyads with experience and training in peer tutoring provided more interactional explanations and incorporated sounder instructional principles. In both situations, student explanations tended to be algorithmic…

If we define success as having all students perform at the same level at the same age, we magnify the effects of developmental differences and discourage those who are not advantaged academically. All students should receive the kinds of services the most advanced do now. (SLD)

Argues that parental involvement at home in such areas as reading, listening, and watching television can complement and reinforce the learning accomplished at school. Provides steps that teachers can relate to parents for becoming involved in their children's learning process. (HTH)

Describes the Computer Support Program (CSP) at Monett (Missouri) Schools where high school students operating from a "control room" assist students and teachers throughout the district in their use of technology. Benefits include increased teacher self-reliance and increased self-esteem in CSP students, and CSP student-created Internet scavenger…

To demystify the grant-seeking and proposal-writing process, two administrators at Kutztown University (Pennsylvania) began a standing committee to train, encourage, and help faculty members assist each other. The committee has offered collaboration, social support, and technical expertise; the result has been an increase in grant proposals and…

Discusses ways to integrate students with disabilities into gross motor activities within inclusive physical education classes, noting reasons why students with disabilities have similar needs to students without disabilities. The paper recommends the use of peer tutors, describes different adaptations, and lists potential needs of students with a…

Reviews recent applied instructional research for students with learning disabilities for the purpose of providing educators and counselors with the background and logic behind the development of current instructional practices. Topics include procedural prompts, scaffolds, cognitive strategies, story grammar, think sheets, anchored instruction,…

A monolingual English-speaking teacher and bilingual researchers analyzed the discursive practices in a third-grade classroom that affected the literacy learning opportunities available to a monolingual Spanish-speaking migrant student. Literacy learning opportunities were shaped and influenced by the specific contexts in which the student acted…