Experienced undergraduate students served as Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) to facilitate group process and dynamics in cooperative learning groups. Use of this model in large classes (150 students) resulted in significant improvement in group performance and satisfaction with group experience. PLAs defused conflict within groups, and faculty…

The effects of peer coaching on teachers' acclimation of an integrated instructional approach was investigated, with emphasis on the impact on teacher and student outcomes. Elementary teachers planned and conducted activities alone, then with peer coaches, then alone. More procedural changes occurred during peer coaching than in the initial…

A six-week cooperative learning intervention using positive peer role models was used to teach interpersonal problem-solving skills to 42 first-grade boys at risk of antisocial behavior patterns. Participants showed an increase in academic engaged time. However, the intervention failed to produce significantly lower rates of externalizing…

Described is the use of peer teaching, to help students to learn the difference between surface and meaningful learning and to provide feedback to the teacher. The advantages of peer teaching to teachers and students are listed. (KR)

Developmental differences in the acquisition of information about strategy efficiency gleaned from observation of a peer model were assessed among 60 second and 60 seventh graders and 60 undergraduate students. At each age level, 20 subjects were randomly assigned to each of 3 experimental conditions. Developmental differences were considerable.…

Studies the effects of cross-age tutoring on academic and social development. Finds that class teachers, students, and schools consider the projects to be successful and enjoyable, and that they wish to continue with the projects in the future. (MG)

Identifies linguistic, curricular, and social benefits of cooperative learning arrangements in second language and bilingual instruction. Discusses five major models of cooperative learning, and reviews research findings in linguistically diverse settings. Contains 45 references. (Author/SV)

An elementary school in a poor neighborhood in San Francisco has confronted the problem of at-risk students through the turnaround strategy of accelerated education. The Daniel Webster School and schools in Redwood City have used cooperative learning, parent and community involvement, and increased student expectations to challenge traditional…

An investigation was conducted to determine how fifth graders with prior experience in student-led literature discussions assisted peers familiar with teacher-led discussions in basal reading programs. Tapes, observations, and writings of students indicated that students quickly adopted leadership roles, interacted, and helped one another conduct…

An attempt was made to assess effects of an educational project designed to enhance knowledge and influence attitudes about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) using trained student instructors. Results with 20 eighth graders showed knowledge enhancement but a negligible effect on attitudes. Most students received AIDs information from mass…

Educational practices with students in both regular and special education that have stood the tests of time, research, and application are described. They include peer tutoring; direct instruction; cooperative learning; self-instructional training; curriculum-based measurement; instructional alignment; and learning strategies. (DB)

A preservice teacher education course in educational psychology focused on students (n=67) taking greater responsibility for learning through exposure to a variety of learning experiences, including curriculum negotiation, peer discussion and teaching, learning contracts, self/peer/collaborative assessment, and critical reflection. Locus of…

A computerized teacher/advisor for a Classwide Peer Tutoring Program was developed, and initial tests were conducted. This paper reports the development of the system and results of two small-scale tests of its accuracy and its use by teachers. Implications of combining behavioral and computer technology in assessing fidelity of treatment are…

Reviews research findings concerning elementary education in the inner city. Explains low-income children are vulnerable to school failure before entering school. Examines classroom variables and instructional factors, claiming conventional schooling places low demands on students. States research provides a model for making data based decisions…

In interviews about the fairness of teaching practices, 113 high-ability students aged 6 to 18 years (in 6 age groups) typically chose peer tutoring as the fairest. High-ability students do not emphasize self-interest when evaluating fair practices. Children's evaluations of institutional practices reflect their developing conceptions of social…