Discusses cooperative learning in the social studies classroom, highlighting the Jigsaw Strategy--a cooperative learning technique used to encourage students to interact, exchange ideas with peers, and gain confidence in the learning process. Presents an example of its use from a grade seven unit on Canada's native people. (GEA)

Undergraduate and graduate computer information systems students were surveyed regarding the effectiveness of various teaching formats and aids. Results revealed that small group projects and traditional formats are both very effective learning methods; group size impacts teaching effectiveness; and resources should be directed toward providing…

Presents answers from a teacher, a curriculum developer, and from the educational literature to the question "What are some strategies for helping students work in groups?" Topics addressed include group size, heterogeneous grouping, roles in the group, necessary social skills, and teacher guidance. (PR)

Reports on the graphing work of children, aged eight and nine years, who have access to portable computers across the curriculum. Describes two learning sequences: in one, the children collected data and then explored the computer graphing facilities; and in the other, graphing is used iteratively as an integral part of the ongoing task.…

Maintains that writing ability is vital in fulfilling geography discipline objectives of mutual understanding and emancipation. Reports on a study of the use of writing groups in college geography classrooms in the United States and Australia. Includes a student essay evaluation guide as an appendix. (CFR)

Argues that cooperative learning is useful in elementary social studies instruction. Identifies positive interdependence, student interaction, individual accountability for mastering material, and appropriate interpersonal and small group skills as essential elements of cooperative learning. Suggests that cooperative learning can help teach social…

Presents secondary students' perceptions of cooperative learning (CL) in an attempt to understand how and why CL benefits students affectively and cognitively. After describing the structure of learning and schooling, the article discusses how CL promotes positive interdependence, social skills, work skills, and individual accountability. (SM)

A college teacher used cooperative learning in English as a Second Language and linguistics classrooms. She discovered international students enjoyed working and writing in small groups and getting to know other students. Linguistics students enjoyed whole-class cooperative projects and papers. All students gained experience in being colleagues.…

Describes a study in which elementary school students were required to collaborate in studying a hedgerow, producing boundaries and sketches. Results stress the importance of talk in learning. The hedgerow lesson presented an ideal situation for developing personal knowledge through the explanatory discussion of information with peers. (SM)

The impact of direct instruction on reading comprehension strategies and the degree to which cooperative learning processes enhanced students' learning of strategies were studied using 486 third and fourth graders in Pennsylvania. Subjects identified main ideas of passages. Pretest-posttest data highlight the significant impact of direct…

Asserts that social studies instruction can help teach mathematical reasoning skills through integrated activities. Recommends heterogeneous grouping to ensure that students have access to mathematics instruction. Includes four activities combining social studies content with mathematical skill instruction. (CFR)

Evaluated a newly developed peer assessment method for evaluating group work with 261 students at an Australian university. Found generally high levels of student satisfaction with group work and with the assessment method, but significant differences between students who either had or had not had prior work experience, and between Australian and…

When students take their first upper division mathematics course after an introduction to proof course, they are often overwhelmed by the prospect of writing in a mathematics course. In mathematics, unlike other disciplines, students are very seldom asked to respond via writing to a reading assignment, to write an essay about a topic they have…

Field Trip to the Moon uses an inquiry-based learning approach that fosters team building and introduces participants to careers in science and engineering. The program components include the Field Trip to the Moon DVD [not included here], Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)/Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) Activities, and…

This activity geared for grades 5-9 involves students in creating museum stations on eight solid waste and energy topics. While working in groups, students present their station topic to other students who are conducting a "museum tour." In doing so participants are encouraged to enhance their reading, writing, public speaking, and artistic skills…