Argues for the long-term values of client-based group projects (lasting five to six weeks) in an introductory technical communication course. Presents survey results from 73 former technical communication students with two to seven years of workplace experience. Concludes these projects reinforce research, analysis, and reporting skills, such as…

Average-ability students often do not take full advantage of learning in mixed-ability groups because they hardly engage in the group interaction. This study examined whether structuring collaboration by group roles and ground rules for helping behavior might help overcome this participatory inequality. In a plant biology course, heterogeneously…

This paper explores that various uses of group communication in the basic course and how it can be used to bridge and reinforce interpersonal and public speaking skills units. Sections of the paper address group discussion as a content area, integrating small group discussion into the public speaking unit, integrating small groups into the…

A study examined the curricular event in Swedish preschools known as "circle time," a daily event in most schools during which children, teachers, and sometimes parents gather in a circle for 20-30 minutes and share songs, discussion, music, storytelling, and group play. A special theme, such as the environment or a holiday, may also be…

This paper describes two activities that the authors have developed and found useful. These experiences attempt to include creative materials in the process of communication. They were constructed with the idea that the personal experience of living is often more freely expressed through creative activity. (Author)

Describes practical conclusion of a study carried out in Israel which investigated the potential effects of role play on communicative competence, motivation and underachieving foreign language learners. The discussion focuses on a suggested procedure, prerequisites and limitations, the positive effects of role play, and its educational value and…

Presents activities, techniques, and processes developed by classroom teachers to evaluate student learning. The authors included those evaluative techniques which assisted student growth along informational, cognitive, social and affective dimensions. (Author/DB)

Describes two group projects in sixth grade classrooms in Appalachia. The purpose of the projects was to encourage the students to become interested in community problems and actively work on solutions. Both projects were multifaceted learning experiences that helped to develop responsible attitudes and leadership abilities. (JD)

Cooperative lesson plans are presented for the following: current events for middle and high school; lessons on group process for elementary school; cooperative collage making to summarize a unit; group thank-you letters after an excursion; a team-building/language development lesson; and a values lesson on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." (JD)

Views cooperative learning methods as tools which have the potential for ensuring maximum success for students and instilling democratic values. Identifies four formal methods for structuring cooperative learning activities. Points out that development of appropriate tasks along with preparation of students for group work and role playing are…

Reviews literature on critical thinking and physical education. Suggests that students in physical education classes are predisposed to critical thinking, but only in an environment that is carefully structured. Argues that teachers must shift from teacher-centered to more student-centered lessons. Discusses the role of the teacher, cooperative…

Describes a project for composition classes in which groups of five to six students conceive, write, design, print, and bind a book of their writings. Discusses methodology, defining form and content of the books, offering guidance, use of in-class time, evaluation, grading, and the results. Notes that the quality of student writing dramatically…

Discusses several methods the author uses to overcome students' negative attitudes about working in small groups. Discusses preliminary activities (including a class discussion and direct instruction). Describes the group assignment, including a general overview, specifics of the assignment, and ways to overcome common group work problems. (SR)

The study sought to investigate how pre school teachers and their pupils interact during instruction in numeracy lessons in Nigeria. The sample consisted of 2859 pupils from 72 pre-primary institutions/classrooms (selected through stratified random sampling to ensure adequate representation of private, public, urban and rural schools). The…

This booklet contains a collection of educational games that can be used by teachers to convey ideas and create discussion related to environmental protection and sustainable development. The games accommodate participants of all ages and require little preparation by the teacher, up to 30-40 players with only one operator, minimal materials (many…