Argues that the future of America's global prosperity is linked to the commitment of higher education to prepare students comprehensively to live and work in a multicultural world community. Suggests that student portfolios are incomplete without an international and intercultural learning toolkit, including language training and a focus on…

Argues that it is critical to assess the extent of students' cumulative learning in problem-based learning (PBL) undergraduate education. Discusses five myths about this assessment process, including (1) there are no instruments that assess skills, attitudes, and knowledge associated with PBL; and (2) we can only assess what students learn within…

This article, which details the benefits of collaborative learning, is intended to promote human interactions through cooperation as the favored educational paradigm. The first part of this article presents four major categories of benefits created by collaborative learning methods: academic, social, psychological, and assessment. Each of these…

Argues for an increased emphasis on global education in the elementary school curriculum. Contends that cooperative learning and decision-making skills are essential strategies for effective international education. Provides suggestions for development and implementation. (CFR)

A discussion of tracking, or student grouping by academic ability, looks at arguments for and against such tracking, outlines several alternatives, including cooperative learning, active teaching strategies, and extended learning time for low-achievers. It is concluded that tracking is ineffective, harmful to many, and undermines democratic…

Presents results from elementary school classroom uses of the Computer Supported Integrated Learning Environments (CSILE) software that stores student productions, including text and graphics, in one database to which all users have simultaneous access. Educational uses, effects, and outcomes of CSILE are described; and knowledge construction is…

The purpose of "Focus" is to present articles by Utah community college faculty on various curricular and administrative concerns. This issue contains: (1) "Predicting Student Retention," by Nancy M. Smith, which discusses the importance of student assessment as a variable in student retention and presents findings from a study…

Contends that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes advocated by social studies educators are recognized and supported now by business interests. Describes how cooperative learning techniques are adapted and used to restructure business. Concludes that business students prepared for lifelong learning, basic skill competence, communication, group…

Examines educational research conducted in various settings that has adopted network learning approaches. Two categories of network learning are described--collaborative network learning and information network access--and approaches and methods used in studying network learning are discussed, including the design of network learning, network…

Research on school effects has shown that differences within schools have more influence on educational outcomes than do differences between schools. This chapter explores the implications for educational equity of ability grouping. Concerns about equity are organized by placing them in the context of the meaning of educational equity that implies…

Developmental education programs can use innovative ways to improve minority learning and persistence.

This booklet addresses current research on the needs of gifted students and the relationship of these needs to the philosophy and intent of some of the major trends in educational reform and restructuring. Eight major reform trends are examined in terms of definitions, philosophy, key elements of the literature, examples of practical applications,…

Reviews research literature that defines cooperative learning and substantiates many educational benefits to be derived from it. Outlines eight selected cooperative learning methods. Reports that research shows cooperative learning methods improve students' academic achievement, self-esteem, and social skills. Also suggests that cooperative…