This activity introduces students to major groups of invertebrates that have been found in other polar ocean expeditions and acquaints them with the feeding habits of these animals as a basis for making inferences about benthic communities and their connection to other components of the Artic Ocean ecosystem. The activity provides learning…

It is assumed that cooperative learning continuously constructs and extends the shared knowledge of a group of learners with respect to a specific learning domain. Experiences with Computer-Supported Collaborative/Cooperative Learning (CSCL) environments indicate that an explicit representation of the shared knowledge is helpful with regard to two…

Group activities have become more common in second language instruction. For example, a few years ago I collaborated on a study comparing ESL coursebooks from the 1960s with those from the 1990s (Jacobs, Crookall, & Thiyaragarajali, 1997). My colleagues and I found many more group activities in the latter books. Key support for the increase in…

Argues that sequencing is the hidden agenda in many content area classrooms. Suggests that, if students are to improve their sequencing ability, teachers must become aware of the hidden, sequencing requirements in their curricula. Describes exercises for helping students become better sequencers. (FL)

In three British studies of classroom group work in the lower three forms, researchers found that in 35 lessons, when teachers did use groups, they used them primarily to organize their classes and not to achieve specific educational objectives. Teachers usually assigned individual learning tasks. (AM)

Describes a way of getting students to write poetry through writing collaborative poems. Relates the step-by-step procedure used by a class in writing a collaborative poem, and presents their poem. (RL)

Discusses an attempt to have students learn chemistry by conducting and discussing laboratory experiments in small groups largely independent of the teacher. The project results and the 30 experiments that student groups conducted are described. (WB)

Effective teaching methods are often used by children tutoring peers and observation of peer tutoring can be fruitful for the teacher. (JD)

Discusses the passive role that students often take in large classes and argues for teaching methods such as cooperative learning that place students in a more active learning environment. Examines the advantages and potential drawbacks of cooperative learning for large classes and provides suggestions on preparing for group work. (DDR)

The use of cooperative learning to teach mathematics to students with learning disabilities is explored. Cooperative learning components are described, including lesson preparation, lesson instruction, and lesson evaluation. An example of using cooperative learning to teach mathematics is provided, along with a table of examples of cooperative…

Describes Project Jacobean, which offers students an opportunity to investigate differential calculus appearing in the study of literature. Presents procedures for student activities in which they experience the rigor of deducing conclusions and realize that viewing their work critically can be constructive. Introduces the essence of scholarly…

Outlines a process drama in which fourth graders play scientists grappling with moral decisions. Describes the students' enthusiasm at acting and following through on their parts. Explains that after the drama, the teacher and students reflect on how it followed or failed to follow dramatic story elements. (PM)

Describes an after-school program in New York City designed to help inner-city high school students understand ecological concepts. (KHR)