This document reports the rationale, design, and execution of a longitudinal investigation of the intellectual achievement effects of a cognitively oriented preschool for disadvantaged Mexican-American children in San Jose, California. Seven groups of children ages 3-5 were studied. Two groups were exposed to two ten-week successive summer…

This curriculum activities supplement is the result of a graduate seminar at the University of Nebraska (Omaha), held in 1972. It is an addition to "A Curriculum Guide for Speech Communication--Grades 8-12," developed in 1971 (ED 066 776). The activities are structured according to the contract system, whereby each student selects his own projects…

These 11 behavior observation schedules were developed to serve as a source of data for evaluation experimental variations in instructional procedures and classroom organization, and for monitoring changes in teacher, teacher aide, and child behaviors. (MS)

Reviews the literature and identifies and explores five characteristics shown to exist in both the adventure-based learning environment and effective traditional classroom settings. Discusses small learning group size, cooperative learning environments, communication of high expectations for students, building on student success, creating a…

Suggests that peer group instruction is one of the most significant benefits to have emerged from the process approach to writing instruction. Presents a teacher's classroom research on the peer group response method. (ARH)

Reports results of a study in which 35 teachers of children ages 2.5 through kindergarten were interviewed and observed during group time. Reveals tentative conclusions that teachers can plan and implement activities that are more appropriate to the age, developmental level, or social functioning of the group. Offers specific recommendations for…

The feature story in this issue, "Managing the Collaborative Learning Environment," focuses on the growing emphasis on teamwork in the workplace. It discusses how the concept of empowering employees in the workplace is evolving and the benefits--faster decision making, lower costs and absenteeism, higher productivity and quality, and…

Health, education, and human service agencies are beginning to think strategically and systematically about how to provide family members with opportunities for meaningful involvement as partners. Noting that collaboration between families and professionals in program and policy settings requires all parties to acquire new skills, this guide for…

This proceedings of the 1999 EDUCAUSE Conference contains papers presented in six tracks: Building the New Information Technology Foundation and Infrastructure; Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning; Renewing Administrative Services; Outreach, Public Service, and New Communities; Advancing the Leading Edge; and the EDUCAUSE Track. Topics of…

Outlines four stages of group development in the classroom (Inclusion and Membership, Establishing Shared Influence and Collaborative Decision Making, Pursuing Individual and Academic Goals, Self-Renewal: Adapting to Changes), exercises to facilitate each stage, and the teacher's role throughout. (LC)

Progressive format or sequencing of strategies in the conversation class is proposed as a solution to the problems of conversation grouping for foreign students. Structures and formats and sample activities are outlined for the six activity categories or strategies: restructuring, one-centered, unified group, dyad, small group, and large group.…

Discusses drama in foreign language instruction, especially as a means of improving oral expression. Two basic approaches are outlined and three techniques that have been used successfully with various age groups are described. (AMH)

Provides an annotated bibliography of Norse mythology (picture books, collections, fiction, and information books), highlights prose and poetry resources for adults, and outlines independent and group activities in drama, art, social studies, and language arts. (PEN)

Discusses the use of time and space in primary classrooms, referring to what is known about how young children learn best. Discusses four steps to organizing the classroom. (BB)

Designs an elementary level social studies unit with the focus on Japan. Provides sample units of cooperative learning group projects. Suggests integrating mathematics, language arts, economics, fine arts, and science. Lists resources for obtaining more information and materials about Japan. (NL)