Students aged 11-12, placed in groups of four, used word processors to write about a dramatized event using persuasive, newspaper, recount, or report styles. Students' talk as they engaged in the task was analyzed to illuminate the linguistic and cognitive processes involved in group construction of text. (Author/SV)

Discusses a model using intentionally structured groups in freshmen seminars. Proposes that collaborative efforts among academic departments and student affairs practitioners can enhance students' academic and intellectual development. Presents a rationale for how collaboration offers special opportunities for promoting positive educational and…

Discusses several methods the author uses to overcome students' negative attitudes about working in small groups. Discusses preliminary activities (including a class discussion and direct instruction). Describes the group assignment, including a general overview, specifics of the assignment, and ways to overcome common group work problems. (SR)

Describes a study of undergraduates that was conducted to identify the differences between individual and collaborative reflection using a qualitative approach. The results of journals and tape-recorded group reflection activities showed that collaborative reflection leads to a higher level of thinking such as metacognitive thinking. (Author/LRW)

Provides a geography lesson that integrates literature by focusing on the book "Robinson Crusoe." Explains that the lesson consists of three parts that students perform in groups and individually in which they follow the adventures of Crusoe using the ship's log and excerpts from his journal. (CMK)

Believes that encouraging middle school students to explore the idea of a hero enables them to understand themselves and the world in which they live. Discusses reasons for teaching about heroes in the classroom. Describes a study unit on heroes that is student-centered, ongoing and inquiry-based, and incorporates a thematic base and literature.…

Presents tips on how to create a positive, friendly classroom community from day one. Ideas include beginning the year with getting-to-know-you activities; identifying and positively involving students with potential behavior problems; offering opportunities for students to assist one another with activities; working together toward a goal; and…

Investigates children's understanding of rules by observing 5-,6-, and 7-year olds engaging in unrestricted group activity as they built and played with a bridge. Reveals that the children's tendency to develop and change rules demonstrated their understanding of rules that were not associated with the rules of adults. (CMK)

Summarizes a discussion about cooperative learning in second-language teaching by 45 teachers, highlighting six issues: how to cover the syllabus, how long cooperative groups should stay together, how cooperative learning is affected by competition in society, using cooperative learning with low language proficiency students, using cooperative…

Suggests ways in which adventure educators can use heritage interpretation in the wilderness setting to promote understanding of the history and significance of events, people, and objects linked to particular places. Factors to consider include creating interpretive lessons, training trip leaders to conduct them, and evaluating their effect on…

Focuses on the benefits of participating in chamber music ensembles, such as the development of a heightened level of awareness, and considers the role of the music educator/conductor. Provides tools and exercises that teachers can introduce to chamber music players to improve their rehearsals and performances. (CMK)

Explains an art project in which students create a linear still life drawing on A2-size paper, duplicate the still life drawing from another viewpoint, and then use abstract design, integrating dynamic patterns and vibrant colors, that hide the still life images. (CMK)

Presents two activities to use with groups of fathers as part of a comprehensive parent education program. The activities are designed to get fathers to become increasingly aware of the importance of their playing, listening, and being actively involved with their elementary age children. (Contains 17 references and 2 appendixes.) (GCP)

Studies the effects of a 12-session educational group intervention program for people with generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain. Results reveal that participants came out significantly better than the control group with respect to pain and pain coping, taking care of themselves, life satisfaction, and health care consumption. (Contains 69…

Examined the effectiveness of 6th and 7th graders' cooperative learning groups, recording student work sessions and conducting student interviews and self-evaluations. When working cooperatively, students required some unstructured time to organize themselves and learn to work together toward a mutual goal. Students liked this type of learning…