This study examines the effects of interdependent goals and cooperative learning environments on conformity in children. Each of the subjects (390 3rd and 4th grade children) was randomly assigned to a 3-child learning group (or to a no-group control) and then to one of seven experimental or control conditions. The experimental conditions and…

This document is four papers in one that focuses on the practice of critical collegiality through collaborative processes and how the resulting self-study may lead to positive school reform. "The Data in a Day Self-Study Process" (Kim Taylor) describes the Data in a Day process that brings teachers, parents, community members, administrators, and…

Results show that there is a marked tendency for Blackfoot children to cooperate with each other when it is adaptive to do so and seem better able to inhibit competitive responses than non-Indian children. (Authors/MB)

The impact of individual or cooperative goal structures on the achievement, interpersonal behavior, and attitudes of learning disabled (LD) and non-LD students (grades seven and eight) was studied. Cooperative goals, especially following training in cooperative behavior, may facilitate achievement and interpersonal relations of LD and non-LD…

In learning communities, the learning experience is a shared process as teachers and students work together through negotiation toward a common goal. This article identifies critical features of learning communities and presents highlights from community building experiences in a Hawaii kindergarten classroom. Shares insights gleaned from the…

Emphasizes value of service component in adventure education. Describes how rescue training in adventure programs promotes individual and group development. Explains how Outward Bound and similar programs emphasize rescue service using genuine or simulated rescues. Offers model and references for incorporating rescue-service theme into outdoor…

Examines the need for virtual workspaces and describes the architecture, design, and development of GroupSystems for the World Wide Web (GSWeb), an HTML/JavaScript Web-based Group Support System (GSS). GSWeb, an application interface similar to a Graphical User Interface (GUI), is currently used by teams around the world and relies on user…

This ERIC Digest describes research findings, mainly in elementary social studies classrooms, on the effects of cooperative learning on multicultural awareness and cross-ethnic friendships, interpersonal relationships, and prosocial behavior. Research findings on cooperative techniques in the classroom are summarized as follows: compared with…

Instructional designs are described that respond to the personal needs of adult learners, the general education needed for employees in contemporary, complex organizations, and the need for effective instruction models for use with adult students. Following a discussion of the changing expectations in the work environment that result in a need for…

Several sources have suggested that the efficacy of existing mental health care delivery systems might be extended through appropriate collaboration between self-help groups and mental health professionals. There are, however, few published reports of successful collaboration between professionals and self-help groups. This paper presents a…

This study examined dominance attempts of grade school children engaged in a cooperative task. Within each of three grade levels (K, 1, 3), eight mixed-sex triads were randomly formed. Utilizing verbal indices of dominance, significant differences were found for cross-sex and same-sex attempts, by grade level and triadic composition. The results…

According to a recent study of fifth grade students' self concept and cooperative behavior, high self concept pairs produced the most competitive behavior, while low self concept pairs demonstrated the most cooperative behavior. White students were more competitive than black students. No significant sex differences were found. (Author/MV)

Suggestions for implementing cooperative learning strategies with mildly handicapped students in mainstreamed, resource room, and self-contained classroom settings are given. Guidelines are presented for: selecting a format for cooperative learning; establishing working guidelines; forming groups; arranging the classroom; developing cooperative…

This interview discusses control theory (based on humans' psychological needs for love, power, freedom, and fun) and its potential for transforming students' classroom learning experience. By adopting the teamwork approach used in extracurricular activities, teachers can help students gain satisfaction and a sense of their own importance. (MLH)

Postulates that the use of competition and directed cooperation to maintain orderly classrooms discriminates against those less able to compete. Suggests the use of group projects to foster cooperation and enhance student discipline and morale. (CJM)