Investigates whether students who had access to Internet study rooms would make use of them for out-of-class group study and how students perceived their online group study experience in comparison with face-to-face group study in an introductory biology class. Survey results indicate that 47 students used online study rooms. (Author/SOE)

Identifies five principles for grading the products of student collaboration in on-line courses, derived from a survey of on-line instructors: thoroughly structure the project, construct the groups and match membership, monitor and communicate effectively, evaluate consistently, and evaluate the many as one. Offers a cautionary note on handling…

Describes a way of using multiple representations to help students learn data analysis and make sense out of a large amount of data. Includes an activity for a group-learning environment. (KHR)

This article describes the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School, Inc., a non-for profit public foundation dedicated to strengthening the education of gifted youngsters though mathematics competitions. The development of the Olympiads, the program's structure, and the benefits of competition are discussed. Sample questions and answers…

The article summarizes 12 group sessions intended to decrease inappropriate behavior and increase the self-esteem of 10-12 learning-disabled seventh and eighth graders. Art projects culminating in a group mural were a prominent part of the group activities. (DB)

Describes a structured group program for women who repeatedly diet and may be at risk of developing more serious eating disorders. Discusses sessions focusing on eating behavior as well as internal factors that contribute to low body esteem and food and weight preoccupation. Evaluates effectiveness of program by self-reports of members of two…

Low socially accepted learning-disabled intermediate-grade students (N=86) were paired with 86 high socially accepted, nonhandicapped classmates for 8 weeks in 4 groups: mutual interest group, cooperative academic task group, Hawthorne effect/control group, and classroom control group. Evaluated were changes in classmates' ratings of…

Discusses the question, "how do learners best learn." Urges teachers to strive to create a community atmosphere within the classroom. Suggests things teachers can do which will assist in the process of creating this community atmosphere. Lists organizations and their addresses from which information can be obtained. (KO)

Three studies examined effects of peer interaction on the problem solving of 150 children of 4-11 years. Age, task complexity, and task familiarity were found to qualify effects of peer interaction on motivation and learning. (RJC)

Discusses movement toward interagency cooperation for service delivery for handicapped, emphasizing importance of preservice education. Describes special education course at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Course designed to encourage communication of knowledge, attitudes, and coordination of skills in service delivery. Suggests new directions…

Interactions of groups of students working with a variety of educational software are analyzed to develop an account of the structure of collaborative educational activities supported by directive software. Argues that the structure of educational activities around directive software can allow for the possibility of embedding exploratory…

Describes an activity in which students participate in an unsupervised three-hour adventure-based learning expedition in the urban core of Hamilton (Ontario). Explains objectives and parameters, and presents nine tasks to be performed. Discusses students' reactions to the urban community exploration in debriefing, including the activity's positive…

Leading naturalist-teachers share outdoor learning activities and techniques, including using binoculars as magnifiers, scavenger hunts, games such as "what's it called" and "I spy," insect study, guessing the age of trees by examining the bark, leading bird walks, exploring nature in the community, and enhancing nature hikes…

The "ask and answer" speaking technique, designed as a follow-up to reading, aims to capitalize on opportunities for incidental vocabulary learning. This article describes the technique and examines the vocabulary use of a group of young English-as-a-Second-Language learners engaged in "ask and answer" tasks. Suggestions for teachers are offered.…

Formal use of cooperative learning techniques proved effective in improving student performance and retention in a freshman level statistics course. Lectures interspersed with group activities proved effective in increasing conceptual understanding and overall class performance. (11 references) (Author)