This article empirically validates an existing content analysis scheme and addresses a main concern of researchers about text-based, online transcripts in the form of code-recoding by mapping our scheme to the practical inquiry, cognitive presence model's five phases directly to realise higher-order thinking or critical thinking aspects for our…

Several studies have emphasised the importance of addressing social and emotional factors in facilitating adjustment to tertiary education. This article describes the Skills for Success in Science programme at the University of Cape Town. The broad aims were life skills development and improved adjustment which are assumed to underpin academic…

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are increasingly used by Higher Education Institutions to manage and enhance teaching and learning, and research. Discussion, chat, scheduling, and other collaboration tools make VLEs especially useful systems for designing and managing complex group projects. In the spring semester of 2006, students at the…

Supplemental Instruction (SI) incorporates collaborative learning in small, peer-led, group settings in order to integrate instruction in learning and reasoning skills with course content. Several meta-analyses speak to the efficacy of SI but fail to address selection bias due to ability/motivation and gender. In this study, SI was paired with a…

The author examined the long-term effects of teacher instructional grouping practices on the early mathematical achievement of language minority students from various ethnic groups. The study used 3 longitudinal models. In the 1st model, English language learners (ELLs) displayed lower math performance than did English-only students in the…

Some students at the master-level viewed research methodology courses negatively. This study investigated six factors that changed attitudes of graduate school students toward research during the course of a semester at a mid-sized university (University X) located in a western state. To facilitate this study, a survey instrument (Student Research…

In this article, I focus on three defining characteristics of group creativity: improvisation, collaboration and emergence. To demonstrate these three characteristics, I present several examples of group creativity in both music and theater. Then I explore how structure and improvisation are always both present in group creativity. Improvisations…

The calendar was creeping into June. It was late spring, a time when many students' thoughts were sliding toward summer vacation. But it wasn't a problem in Lori Lowe's classroom. Her students had bigger things on their minds--like whether or not the Civil War would turn out the way they hoped. For many weeks, these fourth graders had been…

Beginning in September 2000, terror attacks and large numbers of casualties became part of Israel's harrowing daily routine. The attacks occurred throughout the country, putting everyone at risk. These events also shattered the illusion of coexistence between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel and led to feelings of anger and suspicion between the…

The "basic building blocks" for a discussion program concerned with the issues of racism and tensions among racial and ethnic groups are contained in this manual. It presents the core materials for five discussion sessions and general information on the study circle process: study circles--small-group, democratic, participant-driven…

To demonstrate a technique used in introductory psychology courses to introduce students to the phenomenon of illusions, workshop attendees at the Conference on Undergraduate Teaching of Psychology were asked to estimate the dimensions of a standard classroom garbage can placed on a table in the front of the room. Participants were asked to…

This book offers ideas on recreational planning and activities to a variety of recreational leaders in diverse situations. Chapter 1 on event organization includes (1) details for the planning committee to consider; (2) devices to get things started; (3) types of group activities for crowded places, big meetings, and camp; (4) fun that develops…

The booklet provides instructions for approximately 80 developmental group guidance activities for students primarily in grades k through 6, grades 4 through 6, and grades 5 through 8, with a few activities for students in grades 5 through 12. Activities address areas which include the following: body awareness, communication, cultural…