Investigates the effect of cooperative completion of a cloze passage with subjects who are relatively sophisticated in both language use and group interaction strategies. Finds that groups produced more responses than individuals; gave fewer idiosyncratic or illogical responses; attended to larger chunks of text; and used every available clue. (RS)

Describes how creating "mythical machines" can develop students' technical writing skills. Describes how students work in groups to produce documents for various purposes related to their machine. (MM)

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

Profiles "Odyssey of the Mind," an international competition that challenges students, kindergarten through college, to find creative solutions to bizarre problems. The unique design competition demands creative problem-solving, teamwork, and understanding of basic principles to complete projects that last for several months. (LZ)

Proposes a new professional organization to promote discovery and dissemination of knowledge concerning technology and teacher education. Problems typical of group activities are discussed, and it is suggested that the new organization should avoid these pitfalls by being action oriented. Submission of manuscripts and literature reviews related to…

Use of peer assessment as a method of differentiating between individual students on a group project is examined. A peer appraisal questionnaire and a method for calculating a peer assessment factor from it are presented. The method's use in a large course and some possible modifications are discussed. The questionnaire is appended. (Author/MSE)

In a nursing program, 28 students participating in group service-learning projects were compared to 16 who did other group work. Surveys, focus groups, and feedback from community partners showed that service learning contributed to group collaboration and the development of research skills. (SK)

Suggests the use of the "tribal" metaphor to foster team building and collaborative learning in college classes. Offers examples of how linking students in the classroom in tribes builds identification and interdependence through such activities as creating a group myth and participating in membership rituals. The tribal metaphor has also led to…

Reports on NetMeeting, a new real-time/synchronous Internet tool that allows people in different locations to work together and to share software applications. Notes reasons why NetMeeting is likely to become the tool of choice for corporate and educational collaboration. (SR)

States that good acting begins with listening. Declares that actors serve the script by telling its story simply and dramatically. Suggests ways to help actors listen and interact on stage. Notes that repetition games are effective. Discusses "instant playwriting," an exercise that demonstrates the power that listening well on stage can…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine student use of a prototype networked collaborative design environment to support or augment learning about engineering design. The theoretical framework is based primarily on Vygotsky's social construction of knowledge and the belief that collaboration and communication are critical components…

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)

Discusses a proposal writing project in a technical writing course, in which students develop and actually submit a proposal for possible implementation. (GW)

Indicates that, on the first task, both the dyadic rewriting group and the individual writing group significantly outperformed the individual rewriting group on a communication score. Finds that the ordering of means on this measure (from highest to lowest) was individual rewriters, dyadic rewriters, then writing individuals. (JD)

In light of improving standards in education, some countries are going through major changes in their education systems. At the core of these movements lies the paradigm of changes in education. In the last two decades, constructivism became increasingly popular as a referent for professional actions in education. Under this constructivist…