This paper describes the design and orientation of a collaborative writing model for culturally diverse college students, noting that collaborative writing has grown in popularity in recent years because of its success in engaging diverse students more fully in the writing process. The model is premised on a socially designed and consensus…

The practice of placing senior law students into teaching roles at law schools in order to reduce the student-teacher ratio is discussed. The extent to which students have contributed towards teaching, supervision, and instruction at law schools is analyzed. European tutorial experience is compared with North American experience. (MLW)

Describes a study in which kindergarten and first-grade students discussed the subject of shadows. Two students became teacher/leaders, and the rest asked questions for clarification or gave input. The classroom teacher modeled questioning and communication skills all year. The goal was to empower students to have a role in their own education.…

Discusses the reasons for the differences in second language proficiency across Australia, including composite classes at primary and secondary levels and classes of mixed proficiency levels at secondary level. Reviews strategies for dealing with this problem, including effecting a smooth transition between primary and secondary schooling and the…

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)