Group and team class decision-making activities often focus on demonstrating that "two heads are better than one." Typically, students solve a problem or complete an assessment individually, then in a group. Generally, the group does better and that is what the students learn. However, if that is all such an activity conveys, then a…

Despite the growing use of virtual worlds in distance education, no studies have shown how self-representation in these environments impacts collaboration in multicultural learning groups. In this article, Paul Wallace and Jim Maryott report on a preliminary study in Micronesia designed to investigate the impact of negative social attitudes based…

Describes a class activity to help students gain insights into the collaborative process and to launch them into a collaborative report. (SR)

Describes mapping, a collaborative activity to stimulate discussion or summarize learning. (SR)

Applies principles of collaborative teaching and learning to an instructional unit on job applications and resumes. Offers advice on collaboration in the classroom. (SR)

Offers an assignment which heightens student awareness of media effects and appropriateness through the simulation experience of planning and executing a persuasive campaign using print, audio and audio-visual media. (MH)

Describes a way to enliven vocabulary lessons by combining them with two effective teaching strategies--cooperative learning and story development by students. (SR)

Noting that it is important in communication classes to devise ways to help students to be comfortable with each other, this paper maintains that icebreakers and group builders are strategies that are vital in creating openness and trust in such classes. The paper offers eight icebreakers (activities designed to help students feel comfortable with…

Introduces documentation and presentation guidelines of the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE) for authors of games, simulations, and other activities suitable for an organizer or facilitator to adopt or adapt for courses or workshops. (Author/LLS)

Suggests a technique for use in college sociology courses which processes cognitive content in a small group. The method stresses sensitivity to group members, active participation in the learning process, individual responsibility for learning outcomes, and openness to feedback. (Author/DB)

Describes a way of getting students to write poetry through writing collaborative poems. Relates the step-by-step procedure used by a class in writing a collaborative poem, and presents their poem. (RL)

Describes a classroom game that demonstrates to students that equilibria can occur naturally in order to encourage students to take unreasonable equilibria more seriously. Discusses the game, how to organize it in the classroom for a game theory course, and the results. (CMK)

Describes an assignment useful in high school and college-level literature classes in which students choose a book (or other reading material) from among a group of works that fit the parameters of the course or unit and work in groups to prepare a presentation. Suggests these reading groups and self-selection of reading material encourages active…

Describes a simulation project used in social theory courses where students work in groups of four or five to plan and present a television program. Explains that students choose the format of the show, take the roles of theorists, and present responses to contemporary issues that they think the theorists would offer. (CMK)

Describes the "Participation Classroom" model for foreign language learning which provides students with opportunities to participate in teaching, evaluating, and goal setting. Based on students' needs, this model provides a noncompetitive teamwork approach to achievement. This article outlines teacher's and students' roles in creating a…