This paper brings into focus what can happen when a person is both a researcher and a teacher in two different classrooms almost at the same time. In the two classrooms project work is the subject of inquiry and the working method used. The aim of the research was to figure out how group work and collaborative processes function during project…

This is an activity-based teacher's guide to fostering positive group interaction through imagined experience and discussion at Key Stages 2 and 3. In a series of interactive workshops, each one providing a context, a scenario and a list of characters; pupils are invited to engage in discussion, debate and negotiation to solve problems and meet…

Explains how social studies teachers can teach cooperative behavior to junior high students. Three critical factors are length of time student groups have worked together, interdependence of goals attached to the tasks, and interdependence of means to accomplish the tasks. (Author/AV)

Interactions of groups of students working with a variety of educational software are analyzed to develop an account of the structure of collaborative educational activities supported by directive software. Argues that the structure of educational activities around directive software can allow for the possibility of embedding exploratory…

Discusses the types of computer-mediated communications (CMC) systems now available for supporting collaboration over the Internet. Discusses alternative frames of references for understanding how the growing array of Internet tools can be applied to collaborative projects, concluding that initiators of collaborative activities need to avoid being…

Two activities designed for use in elementary school group work are described. In Activity I, Pass It On,'' a succession of children repeat a story showing how communication can be distorted when people don't listen. Activity II is designed to demonstrate the similarity of feelings among peers: children complete short stories begun by the leader…

The effect of cooperative and individualistic learning experiences within which majority students worked with lower-achieving minority peers were compared. The results support the position that cooperative experiences result in liking regardless of the ethnic membership or achievement level of collaborators. (Author/PN)

Examines the reciprocal nature of contributions made by 36 pairs of English infant school peers as they worked in classroom task groups. Indicates that year two children were significantly more responsive and demonstrated a great capacity for extended reciprocal interaction. Discusses the relational findings that children develop the ability to…

This study investigated the effect of different gender and ability composition on students' behaviors, interactions, and learning outcomes during small cooperative group activities. The study involved Year 6 children (N=440) who were assigned to one of 12 four-person groups that were either gender-balanced or gender-imbalanced with different…

Research on gender differences in group performance suggests that males excel at brainstorming while females excel at human relations and integration. To investigate the relations among gender, interaction style, and task performance, 264 college students (130 female, 134 male) worked in three person same sex groups on a production task which…

Describes six types of critique hours that can be used as a forum for the interchange of ideas among students. Through their own self-appraisal students gain a respect for each others' attitudes, philosophies, creativity, and other attributes. (JR)

This guide offers advice on using and running teleconferences, beginning with background information on what teleconferencing can and cannot do; situations, systems, and applications; and how and why to use visuals. Ideas on how to run a teleconference are then presented. The preparation of a teleconference is discussed in terms of organizers and…

The purpose of this study is to investigate learning effects of online peer-support for generating critical questions and counter arguments in small group online discussion. The online peer-support includes descriptions of what to do and generic and domain specific examples of questions. About 45 students were recruited from an online introductory…

The role of Information Systems within organizations is constantly changing. Undergraduates concentrating in Information Systems need to acquire the knowledge and skills to compete in this dynamic arena. The undergraduate curriculum must not only address technical knowledge, but also communications and collaborative skills necessary for…

Presents a case study that focused on students' perceptions of gender differences in instructional activity and discussion about that activity in physics classes. Data analysis indicates that although teachers may be unaware of gender inequities, students of both sexes are aware of such inequities. Reports that differential language patterns were…