Describes an alternative to lecturing in the introductory college-level sociology class. The alternative is an "active" course involving students in teaching others, having students look for and evaluate information, and encouraging students to work together.

Presents a discussion of experimental-research paper organization and a method for teaching reading and writing of papers to ESL students. (EKN)

The effects of interpersonal cooperation, competition, and individualistic efforts were compared on a categorization and retrieval, a spatial-reasoning, and a verbal problem-solving task. Forty-five first-grade children were stratified on the basis of sex and ability. Students in the cooperative condition achieved best. (Author/CTM)

The authors assert that school writing programs inhibit students through meaningless topic assignments and emphasis on the technical aspects of transcription rather than the really basic skill of composing. They describe a first-grade classroom ideal for writing instruction, where the teacher collaborates in children's writing, instead of teaching…

The author identifies three basic guidelines and some procedures that can be used to implement student-planned individualized learning in any subject in intermediate and secondary grades. He discusses the benefits of individualized study to both students and teachers. A student planning form is included. (Author/SJL)

A summary-review strategy for use in mathematics classes is presented. Specific objectives attainable through use of this strategy are outlined and two procedures for using the small-group strategy are given. (MK)

Friendship choices were found to be distributed more evenly in classrooms where greater student interaction is permitted. (JD)

Individually Guided Education (IGE) in elementary mathematics is explained and described. The basic assumptions about the nature of students and their learning of mathematics are set forth, and the steps needed to plan and organize an IGE program are detailed. (SD)

Explains why block scheduling has become accepted practice at the secondary level and describes potential benefits for middle level schools. Shares common scheduling approaches and discusses their appropriateness for use at the middle level. Presents alternative models that would permit middle school faculties to capitalize on the benefits of…

Factors in the physical arrangement of special education classrooms that may lead to greater instructional control and structure include teacher proximity and view, separation of space, and reduction of extraneous stimuli. The issue of making classrooms more relaxed and home-like versus structuring them like regular classes to prepare students for…

A new definition of teaching must replace traditional modes of instruction. Intellectual growth is best encouraged by assisting, rather than assessing, student performance. Classrooms must be settings which maximize opportunities for participation and conversation. Definitions and practical applications are given for Vygotsky's term "zone of…

This article examines the teacher's contribution to the indirect effect that within-classroom grouping has on student achievement. Two distinct types of groups (ability groups and peer work-groups) are discussed and recommendations made for effective use of within-class grouping. (IAH)

Reviews research on the practice of ability grouping (the grouping of students for instruction by ability or achievement to create homogeneous instructional groups). Notes several negative effects of ability grouping, and discusses the implications of this research for classroom practice. (MM)

Examines the importance of teaching critical thinking and intellectual standards through the use of an engaged lecture style. Indicates that engaged lectures pressure students to intellectually process the information conveyed by the teacher and thus better understand the lecture's content. Describes the key issues regarding the implementation of…

Assists teachers in utilizing microcomputer instruction to maximize the effectiveness of classroom reading programs. Asserts that, when microcomputers are used with the appropriate software, they can be successfully integrated with the reading curriculum. Discusses the role of the teacher, selection of software, classroom organization, and current…