The three-week elementary school program in Houston, Texas, offered seminars, student selected interest activities, and group activities in which children planned and constructed a part of a future world and were thus exposed to problem solving, decision making, and research activities. (DLS)

Described is a classroom simulation for high school economics students which illustrates concepts of scarcity, economic resources, differing systems of resource allocation, economic interdependence, and specialization. For availability, see SO 505 564. (Author/AV)

Discusses the reading plans used in two open classrooms. A classroom for third/fourth graders is designed to provide experiences in joining written languages to things and activities, while a class of fifth/sixth graders is encouraged to work together in small groups and help each other. (Author/JM)

Describes how a 1913 Music Supervisors National Conference (MENC) committee identified 18 songs to be included in the curriculum and taught to all U.S. students. Reviews the expansion of the song list and its contribution to a common repertoire for U.S. community sings. (GG)

Suggests using group presentations as a method for instructors with large introductory courses to help students gain functional skills and also make the courses more interesting. Provides examples of group presentation projects. States goals of projects as showing how sociology can be used in everyday life and providing a review of the examination…

Lists and describes five essential components common to all cooperative learning lessons. Identifies heterogeneous grouping, introduction of social skills, interdependence of group members, individual accountability, and processing of group interaction as essential to cooperative learning. Suggest ways cooperative learning can be implemented in…

Reviews the major elements of cooperative learning and describes a model based upon level of difficulty which can be used as a guide for implementing activities. Discusses a planning worksheet for teachers and suggests ways in which teachers can assist each other in this process. (KO)

In using manipulative materials in an elementary mathematics classroom, each student can be placed in a cooperative-task group, with each member of the group interdependently performing a specific function. This article describes in detail an activity utilizing pentominoes that demonstrates how such a classroom management system can be…

This article describes a variety of collaborative writing strategies that teachers can use within the four subprocesses of writing (prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing). The strategies include, among others, brainstorming, semantic maps, directed reading and writing, discussion tests, editing groups, and group efforts in layout and…

This book offers teachers a practical and theoretical classroom guide to the many ways music and stories may be explored, both independently and in tandem, to give students a better understanding and appreciation of each art form separately and of their power together. The crucial aspect of activities described in the book is original productions…

This resource book presents cooperative learning activities which relate to our world and the social studies. The book is divided into three sections: (1) "Preparation," to help make cooperative learning part of the curriculum today; (2) "Activity Units," focusing on world culture, natural history, governments and leaders, and contemporary…

This document is a guide to provide the foundation for developing local Head Start programs into strong communities for staff and families. Using workshop and coaching activities, the guide initiates a process of staff training and development designed to foster cooperation between families and staff. These activities encourage Head Start staff…

This paper is intended to assist teachers in examining and altering their own teaching practices and in transforming the classroom from a place of "dull sameness" to an environment where excitement reigns and student growth is at the forefront. The teaching strategies outlined were chosen for three criteria: active student involvement,…

Meant to be adapted by the K-4 classroom teacher to best meet the needs of students, this book describes Children's Own Stories, a program in which young children dictate their ideas and thoughts to adults, and develop a sense of community with their peers as they talk together, share their stories, collaborate on stories, and read and enjoy works…

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. Typical cooperative learning strategies used in grades 2 through 12 involve student teams in which students: (1) work on group projects that emphasize…