Discusses the use of self-directed learning in a large group class. Describes a workshop for developing group communication skills. (YP)

A four-prong instructional model for intellectual-skills development is described. The four prongs are: familiarization, intra-group problem solving, inter-group problem solving, and individual problem solving. A psychological model of what is to be taught, the triarchic theory of human intelligence, provides the underpinning of the instructional…

Views cooperative learning methods as tools which have the potential for ensuring maximum success for students and instilling democratic values. Identifies four formal methods for structuring cooperative learning activities. Points out that development of appropriate tasks along with preparation of students for group work and role playing are…

Describes activities around which a seventh grade religious studies unit is developed. Describes the building of a timeline, the game "Human Bingo," a hunt for Christian artifacts, creation of biography partners to study Jesus Christ and Mohammed, a jigsaw activity to discover Islamic principles, and a group activity using Jewish and Islamic…

Students in work groups are more active learners and more motivated and enthusiastic about mathematics than students working in achievement groups. Acutely needed are curriculum materials for teachers to use with work groups and greater curriculum coordination across grades. Sidebars provide two lesson synopses for grades three and five. Includes…

Describes how one English teacher developed an approach to teaching writing that pairs student writers with writers in the community outside the school. Outlines the features of this writing partners project, including the responsibilities of each partner. Argues that such programs foster writer skill and self-esteem. (HB)

Summarizes a discussion about cooperative learning in second-language teaching by 45 teachers, highlighting six issues: how to cover the syllabus, how long cooperative groups should stay together, how cooperative learning is affected by competition in society, using cooperative learning with low language proficiency students, using cooperative…

Suggests ways in which adventure educators can use heritage interpretation in the wilderness setting to promote understanding of the history and significance of events, people, and objects linked to particular places. Factors to consider include creating interpretive lessons, training trip leaders to conduct them, and evaluating their effect on…

Examined the effectiveness of 6th and 7th graders' cooperative learning groups, recording student work sessions and conducting student interviews and self-evaluations. When working cooperatively, students required some unstructured time to organize themselves and learn to work together toward a mutual goal. Students liked this type of learning…

Presents ways that daily circle time can help build a community of learners in early childhood settings. Notes the importance of involving children in circle time routines, and building shared rituals, such as greetings and recognition. Discusses the use of circles at midday and the end of the day for reflection and community building. (KB)

This article features energizing and surprising activities for children at group time. In the drawing activity, children are asked to give instructions on how to draw a picture using vocabulary and descriptive language. In the mailbox activity, children will be surprised to discover that they have mail at group time. Mailboxes can be used for…

There were several changes in the laboratory teaching program in the Biological Sciences at Florida International University (FIU) between 1993-1994. The underlying goal was the improvement of the amount of material learned and retained by the student, but these changes showed little positive improvement. It was deemed necessary for FIU to…

The present contribution analyses how Spanish textbooks deal with activities requiring primary-school pupils to work in groups. The sample comprised 24 social science, natural science and technology textbooks written for primary school children (6?12 years old). Having coded the information, the authors followed a two-fold methodology geared…

This article discusses and illustrates selected changes and trends in the way academic libraries are programmed and designed in response to changes in teaching techniques in higher education. The author draws particular attention to the new requirements for collaborative study in technology-rich spaces and makes detailed recommendations for those…

While a voluminous lecture hall can present obstacles to effective teaching and learning, large classrooms containing more than 100 students also present teaching opportunities. The lecture hall offers an excellent arena for demonstrating concepts that lend themselves to demonstrations and something this author refers to as "group performances."…