The relative effectiveness of three plans for implementing group learning centers in home economics classes was compared. Plans varied in assignment of group activities--a student group either completed all activities in a course unit, or completed some, and reported what they had learned to the rest of the class. Participants were 251 eighth and…

Three principal types of goal structure are (1) cooperative; (2) competitive; and (3) individualistic. Specifically designed cooperatively structured group activities can improve group performance and attitudes in class. A writing class for English majors is briefly described and evaluated before and after goal structure was considered. Grade…

Discusses the use of cooperative learning activities in interactive distance learning classes at the University of Hawaii School of Library and Information Studies. Topics include dyad and small group discussions, group projects, evaluating cooperative learning on interactive television, effect on academic performance, students' evaluation, and…

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…

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…

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…

In recent years, many schools have turned to Integrated Learning Systems (ILSs) to facilitate instruction and assist with raising state standardized test scores. Typically, these ILSs are utilized in a computer lab with students working individually on computer-based instructional lessons for an allotted time period. Using ILSs in this manner has…

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of assigning students to a version of an instructional program (cooperative learning version or individual version) that either matched or did not match their pre-assessed preferences for cooperative and individual learning. Students' preferences for cooperative and individual learning were…

To facilitate learning, teachers often employ varied teaching strategies and activities to accommodate different learning style preferences in students. This study explored elementary school students' preferences for learning environments, providing a pilot validation of the 40-question "If I Were in Charge of the Class" learning preference…

Students in an undergraduate course in abnormal psychology annually employ a cooperative active learning model to conduct a 4- to 6-day, values-oriented public policy forum (PPF) within the class itself on a general topic of concern to the field of mental health. A comprehensive and structured five-phase model for a PPF is detailed for course…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an environmental science program on the development of student attitudes toward selected physical activities and social concepts. The subjects of the study were high school students enrolled in the Florida Environmental Studies Program. The program emphasized observation and experience as…

In early 1972 the district embarked on a reorganization project to solve organizational problems that had lingered over the previous several years. Its objectives were to improve an already high quality educational program, increase the operational efficiency of the district, and provide for demonstrably greater economy. The results presented…

Reviews two studies whose results indicate that students who share computers develop better work skills and social attitudes. One study, using eighth graders and a computer simulation, measured performance on worksheets and final exams. The second study used language learning via computer-assisted instruction to compare results on achievement…

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze changes in attitudes towards science in technology-based science content courses for K-8 preservice teachers at Black Hills State University and relate those attitudes to the predominantly female gender of the students enrolled in the class. Given an overwhelmingly female science classroom in…

Ecological or environmental programs integrated into science courses in the elementary grades can make children aware that they can have either a positive or a negative effect on their environment. The following bibliography was compiled from articles and dissertations on environmental education and children's awareness, attitudes, and perceptions…