The paper briefly discusses pedagogical theory underlying the application of cooperative learning strategies in postsecondary environments and describes specific cooperative pedagogical strategies. Most of the paper consists of descriptions of the following exemplary cooperative learning techniques, with supporting data when available: (1)…

Intended for practitioners involved in working with groups in basic education, this book provides some ideas on suitable approaches. An introduction addresses where group work takes place and why a group approach is used. A discussion of starting points covers first meetings, planning and preparing, and teaching aids. A description of a group…

Presents a contingency model for decision making with regard to needs analysis methods. Focus is on 12 methods with brief discussion of their defining characteristics and some operational guidelines for their use. (JOW)

Basic principles of developing and implementing an affective curriculum which promotes students' self-esteem and personal skills are offered. The article addresses: establishment of rules of affective group discussions, guidelines to help teachers and students maintain flexible and realistic expectations, the importance of teacher planning, and…

This outreach program for black parents is based on the knowledge of how much they care about their children. It identifies some of the ways that black parents can become involved in their children's schooling. Black organizations and churches have historically championed the cause of education for black children, and this program adds a tool for…

Writing, speaking and listening are communication skills that are important in all subject areas in the curriculum. Hence, literacy should have a central position in the curriculum. Even so, differences between students' levels of literacy mean that some students fail to acquire the verbal foundations for learning. For this reason, increasing…

This book offers a variety of practical ideas, tools, and techniques for creating democratic classrooms. It suggests exercises to get discussion started, strategies for maintaining its momentum, ways to elicit a diversity of views and voices, ideas for creative groupings and formats, and processes to encourage student participation. In exploring…

Structured academic controversy is a cooperative learning strategy that can promote learning in theoretical physical education classes at the college level. This article explains how to conduct structured academic controversy, providing examples of topics (e.g., adapted physical education, biomechanics, motor development, and sport psychology).…

One of five articles in the second section "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article details some of the hard-to-discuss problems that occur in professional development school partnerships, suggesting that discussion cases can help facilitate communication. A sample discussion case is presented, with suggestions…

Describes a program that incorporates a variety of techniques to promote and foster dialog and open communication about puberty and sexuality. The program lasts about 2 hours and accommodates from 15 to 50 parent-child teams. It includes autobiographical presentation, film, and discussion. A list of resources is included. (SM)

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data included in America's Challenge: Accelerating Academic Achievement, indicate the scope of the task of reaching the National Goal for Education on Student Achievement and Citizenship. This discussion guide focuses on the five corollary objectives of the National Goal, which are to: (1)…

Studying hypothetical cases enables preservice and inservice teachers to discuss real life scenarios in a nonthreatening environment and encourages active learning. The article presents a hypothetical case about student evaluation and a discussion guide with questions that teacher educators and staff developers can use to plan discussions. (SM)

This article suggests ways that professionals might utilize general public literature about learning disabilities. A rationale for use of general public literature is offered, a five-step procedure for discussing books with students is described, the use of bibliotherapy and reciprocal questioning is discussed, and questions to generate…

This book presents a wide array of sophisticated problem-solving tools and shows how to use them in a humanizing way that involves all stakeholders in the process. Chapter 1 develops the rationale for educational stakeholders to consider quality tools. Chapter 2 highlights three quality group-process tools--brainstorming, the nominal group…

This manual is intended to assist in the establishment, facilitation, leadership, and evaluation of support programs for fathers of children with disabilities. The manual begins with a foreword written by a father of a child with severe disabilities and a preface by the project director of the National Fathers' Network. An introductory chapter…