Presents a futures wheel as a teaching tool that can be used to analyze science-related social issues. Provides an example to explain the development of the wheel. Lists topics that can be analyzed using the futures wheel. (YDS)

Student-led workshops are helping undergraduate students learn from each other as they tackle organic chemistry. Each week, small groups brainstorm tough problems in sessions guided by upper-class students who have taken and passed the course. Debating and discussing chemistry problems with peers engages students with the material and boosts…

Discusses the types of computer-mediated communications (CMC) systems now available for supporting collaboration over the Internet. Discusses alternative frames of references for understanding how the growing array of Internet tools can be applied to collaborative projects, concluding that initiators of collaborative activities need to avoid being…

Adventure-based Counseling (ABC), and in particular low-element challenge courses (LECC), are group-oriented programs that help participants learn to share responsibility, develop cooperative problem-solving skills, and increase self-confidence and well-being. Proposes that an intentional combination of the two programs offers a unique opportunity…

Argues for the long-term values of client-based group projects (lasting five to six weeks) in an introductory technical communication course. Presents survey results from 73 former technical communication students with two to seven years of workplace experience. Concludes these projects reinforce research, analysis, and reporting skills, such as…

Reports research investigating how English-as-a-Second-Language students are positioned in the group work that is routinely a part of many university classes in the United States. Through an ethnographic study of the experience nonnative speakers of English have at U.S. universities, the challenges that these students face as they attempt to…

A "traffic light" model provides youth groups with a means to evaluate the risk level of specific behaviors and agree upon the management of such behaviors. Designed for outdoor pursuits, the model may be used in other environments. Suggestions for ways to discuss red-light, yellow-light, and green-light behaviors are included. (SV)

Explores how computer technology can help improve how and what children learn in school. Highlights several ways technology can enhance how children learn by supporting four fundamental characteristics of learning (active engagement, group participation, frequent interaction and feedback, and connections to real-world contexts). Additional…

Schools hoping to become communities must be sensitive to subcommunities serving as building blocks for the supracommunity. Cooperation/competition is a system for increasing effective subcommunities in schools and simultaneously increasing these groups' support for school goals (assisting the school's academic program). This article explains the…

Focuses on computer systems that support groups who complete tasks together despite separations in space, time, or variations in team size. Reviews the literature on the history of the technology, application packages, case histories, and current research, and includes a synopsis of activity in academic and commercial institutions. Contains 217…

A design group needs to sift through confusion, come together, and converse as a team before it can be productive in design tasks. At the 1994 Fuschl Conversation on Systems Design, the metaphor of lighting a fire was used to symbolize this coming together; three tables examine the relationships between the metaphor and starting a design…

Describes a group activity that uses a tree as a metaphor to reflect both group and personal growth during adventure activities. The tree's roots represent the group's formation, the branches and leaves represent the group's diversity and capabilities, and the seeds represent the personal learning and growth that took place within the group.…

As part of a British secondary school's annual three-day special program, one day focused on outdoor problem-solving activities for groups at each grade level. Describes the themes of the day and specific problems undertaken by groups in grades 7-10. (SV)

Asserts that effective cooperative learning maximizes comprehension and teamwork skills by holding students individually accountable in their efforts to help the team. Describes the Peer and Self-Evaluation System (PSES), which provides students with confidential feedback regarding personal strengths and limitations. Contains 10 references. (VWC)

Describes the process for creating a baker's-dough mural that would become a permanent part of the community and relates a visit made to the Sacramento (California) Boys & Girls Club by General Colin Powell. Discusses Powell's part in creating the mural. Includes the steps for how to make a Baker's-dough mural. (CMK)