Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

Modern crowd theories agree that collective behavior is the result of the underlying interactions among small groups of individuals. In this work, we propose a novel algorithm for detecting social groups in crowds by means of a Correlation Clustering procedure on people trajectories. The affinity between crowd members is learned through an online formulation of the Structural SVM framework and a set of specifically designed features characterizing both their physical and social identity, inspired by Proxemic theory, Granger causality, DTW and Heat-maps. To adhere to sociological observations, we introduce a loss function (G-MITRE) able to deal with the complexity of evaluating group detection performances. We show our algorithm achieves state-of-the-art results when relying on both ground truth trajectories and tracklets previously extracted by available detector/tracker systems.

The theme for the 63rd annual conference of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers Building Bridges with and for Literacy. The first section of the Yearbook begins with Connie Briggs' Presidential address, followed by an article from the Betty Sturtevant Award recipients Aimee Morewood, Susan Taylor, Allison Swan Dagen, Julie W. Ankrum, and Christina Glance. Next, Kristal Elaine Vallie shared out the findings from her dissertation research titled Middle School Librarians' Perceptions and Promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Books. Following this is the Masters Research Award Winner and the Spotlight article for the Judy Richardson Literacy as a Living Legacy Award. This section is concluded with the work of Stephanie Grote-Garcia, Evan Ortlieb, Bethanie Pletcher, Micharl Manderino, Vassiliki Zygouris-Coe, Juan Araujo, and Alexandra Babino titled Building Bridges Between Research and Practice: Reflecting Upon the Results of the 2019 What's Hot in Literacy Survey. In section two, titled Building Bridges with English Language Learners and Families, articles focus on ways to connect literacy with English language learners and their families. Section three focuses on connections between literacy, content, and Online learning. Section four focuses on making connections about diversity through literacy. Finally, section five focuses on learning with and for literacy. After a peer-review process for conference acceptance, the ensuing articles underwent an additional round of double blind peer review for acceptance in the Yearbook. The articles reflect the conference theme, Building Bridges Through Literacy, and expand upon it to explore ways to connect literacy through technology, with families, for English language learners, and diverse groups.

This article describes the teaching of process-oriented counselling skills in a group. The interweaving of theory and practice is discussed. The need for and a method of integrating the personal and professional growth of group members with the experiential and conceptual learning of counselling skills are outlined . The congruence of the content and the educational approach is an important element in the training. The development and significance of the community of learners, an intrinsic dimension of the training, are also described.

GOALS: Motivated partly by our previous work, we have attempted: (1) To determine whether there is a global mechanism that automatically adjusts the strengths of the many connections that take place between neurons. (2) To determine the source of variations in neuronal firing observed during behaviorally meaningful neural activity, whether the variations arise from determmistic processes or nondeterministic ones, and to identify the synaptic or membrane mechanisms that may give rise to them. Because biological systems are difficult to control, we have used computer simulations to examine these problems. The results indicate that the findings may be addressable in biological systems, particularly in cell cultures of two or three selectively connected neurons.

This study explores the characteristics and distribution of the feedback provided by the participants (a teacher and her students) in an activity organized inside a collaborative online learning environment. We analyse 853 submissions made by two groups of graduate students and their teacher (N1 = 629 & N2 = 224) involved in the collaborative development of a rubric for evaluating teaching skills using the Knowledge Forum platform. The results show that the feedback is distributed among participants (a teacher and her students), although there are important differences in the way in which this distribution occurs. The results also show that both the teacher and some of the students are able to provide verification and elaboration feedback on the learning content, the academic task at hand, and social participation. This feedback is useful for processes of knowledge construction, though significant differences are observed in the ways in which it is provided. Finally, the results show the importance of the temporal dimension for understanding how, when and for what purpose the teacher and students provide feedback to the other participants. (Contains 9 tables.)

This study explores the characteristics and distribution of the feedback provided by the participants (a teacher and her students) in an activity organized inside a collaborative online learning environment. We analyse 853 submissions made by two groups of graduate students and their teacher (N1 = 629 & N2 = 224) involved in the collaborative development of a rubric for evaluating teaching skills using the Knowledge Forum platform. The results show that the feedback is distributed among participants (a teacher and her students), although there are important differences in the way in which this distribution occurs. The results also show that both the teacher and some of the students are able to provide verification and elaboration feedback on the learning content, the academic task at hand, and social participation. This feedback is useful for processes of knowledge construction, though significant differences are observed in the ways in which it is provided. Finally, the results show the importance of the temporal dimension for understanding how, when and for what purpose the teacher and students provide feedback to the other participants. (Contains 9 tables.)

56p

Computer simulations of catalytic networks. Andrade et al. (1993) have recently published the results of our first simulations, and have addressed the problem of the effect that catalytic error has in controlling system dynamics. Simulations of large networks are being designed in order examine spatio-temporal dynamics in reaction-diffusion systems. The aim is to develop visualization and analysis methods to apply large networks composed of biologically realistic neurons. Immunohistochemical studies have examined mammalian tissues that may be useful as model systems to examine distributed function in neurotransmission and neuromodulation (Soinila and Mpitsos, 1992; Soinila et al., 1992). It is necessary, as these and other publications (e.g., Mpitsos and Soinila, 1993) indicate, not only to understand neural organization in a simple animal, but also to examine the applicability of the findings to higher animals, and, if possible, to humans. Molecular biological studies of muscarinic receptors: In previous AFOSR-published work, Murray et al. (1985) and Murray and Mpitsos (1988) showed further that brief pharmacologic blocking of these receptors enhances 1-Trial associative learning. Over the past year, we have developed cloning vectors for generating fusing proteins to all of the five known muscarinic receptor subtypes in humans. Our next step is to obtaine immunofluorescent antisera to the fusion proteins in order to visually identify cells containing the different muscarinic receptors. The in-between step will be to determine the specificity of the antisera. The findings will be applicable not only to our experimental animal, but also to studies of learning and pathologies in humans.

Computer simulations of catalytic networks. Andrade et al. (1993) have recently published the results of our first simulations, and have addressed the problem of the effect that catalytic error has in controlling system dynamics. Simulations of large networks are being designed in order examine spatio-temporal dynamics in reaction-diffusion systems. The aim is to develop visualization and analysis methods to apply large networks composed of biologically realistic neurons. Immunohistochemical studies have examined mammalian tissues that may be useful as model systems to examine distributed function in neurotransmission and neuromodulation (Soinila and Mpitsos, 1992; Soinila et al., 1992). It is necessary, as these and other publications (e.g., Mpitsos and Soinila, 1993) indicate, not only to understand neural organization in a simple animal, but also to examine the applicability of the findings to higher animals, and, if possible, to humans. Molecular biological studies of muscarinic receptors: In previous AFOSR-published work, Murray et al. (1985) and Murray and Mpitsos (1988) showed further that brief pharmacologic blocking of these receptors enhances 1-Trial associative learning. Over the past year, we have developed cloning vectors for generating fusing proteins to all of the five known muscarinic receptor subtypes in humans. Our next step is to obtaine immunofluorescent antisera to the fusion proteins in order to visually identify cells containing the different muscarinic receptors. The in-between step will be to determine the specificity of the antisera. The findings will be applicable not only to our experimental animal, but also to studies of learning and pathologies in humans.

To develop adult learning groups in formal educational settings, the educator must understand the nature of learning in groups. Three types of group learning are instrumental, communicative, and emancipatory. The type of learning that occurs in groups varies according to the learning tasks and goals. Group learning that has as its goal the acquisition of instrumental knowledge is cooperative. The term collaborative describes group learning based on communicative knowledge. Transformative applies to learning groups that seek emancipatory knowledge. Cooperative learning focuses on the learning of individuals; as groups engage in collaborative or transformative learning, the distinction between individual and group learning becomes more invisible. The facilitator fosters, assists, supports, and helps with accomplishing learning tasks by sharing responsibilities with learners; establishes and maintains the group learning environment; and provides information about the group process. The facilitator's roles and responsibilities change to correspond to the group's purposes and goals. Size is an important characteristic of groups, with smaller groups (six or less) being more cohesive and productive. Facilitator-selected groups tend to perform better. Important considerations when structuring group learning for adults are the experience's purpose, an appropriate role for the facilitator, and group formation. (YLB)

Collaborative learning in an online classroom can take the form of discussion among the whole class or within smaller groups. This paper addresses the latter, examining first whether assessment makes a difference to the level of learner participation and then considering other factors involved in creating effective collaborative learning groups. Data collected over a three year period (15 cohorts) from the Foundations course in the Master of Distance Education (MDE) program offered jointly by University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and the University of Oldenburg does not support the authors' original hypothesis that assessment makes a significant difference to learner participation levels in small group learning projects and leads them to question how much emphasis should be placed on grading work completed in study groups to the exclusion of other strategies. Drawing on observations of two MDE courses, including the Foundations course, their extensive online teaching experience, and a review of the literature, the authors identify factors other than grading that contribute positively to the effectiveness of small collaborative learning groups in the online environment. In particular, the paper focuses on specific instructional strategies that facilitate learner participation in small group projects, which result in an enhanced sense of community, increased skill acquisition, and better learning outcomes. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)

This report presents conceptual frameworks for inclusive learning, good practices in learning cities and recommendations for the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on life in cities, as well as exposing and exacerbating almost all forms of inequality. Access to high-calibre, resilient infrastructure, reliable basic services and decent jobs must be provided to all urban and rural dwellers. Achieving this means ensuring learning opportunities in cities are of high quality, inclusive of the diverse backgrounds of all learners and offered on a continuous basis throughout life. This publication features chapters on learning cities' endeavours to promote inclusive lifelong learning for vulnerable groups. It is based on research papers prepared for the fourth International Conference on Learning Cities, which took place in 2019 in Medellín, Colombia, under the theme 'Inclusion -- A principle for lifelong learning and sustainable cities' and hence marks a transition between the learning city conferences of 2019 and 2021. Though the examples included in the publication were in place before the pandemic took hold, they show how populations that were made even more vulnerable by the pandemic can be effectively targeted by lifelong learning opportunities.

We have examined the immunohistochemical localization of over 12 different neurotransmitters in all of the nervous system components of two different marine molluscs, Aplysia and Pleurobranchaea. To do this for each neurotransmitter, we made complete serial histological sections of all major ganglia in each nervous system. Localizations were performed using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Since many of the commercially available antisera proved to be nonspecific, we generated 11 antisera in our laboratory. One of the major achievements occurred in our work on acetylcholine, which our previous AFOSR-funded work implicated as having an important role in associative learning in Pleurobranchaea through muscarinic receptors.

We have examined the immunohistochemical localization of over 12 different neurotransmitters in all of the nervous system components of two different marine molluscs, Aplysia and Pleurobranchaea. To do this for each neurotransmitter, we made complete serial histological sections of all major ganglia in each nervous system. Localizations were performed using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Since many of the commercially available antisera proved to be nonspecific, we generated 11 antisera in our laboratory. One of the major achievements occurred in our work on acetylcholine, which our previous AFOSR-funded work implicated as having an important role in associative learning in Pleurobranchaea through muscarinic receptors.

An active learning physics course (treatment) was re-organized in an attempt to increase students' problem solving abilities. This re-organized course covered all of the relevant concepts in the first 6 weeks with the final 4 weeks spent in practice at solving complicated problems (those requiring students to use higher order cognitive abilities). A second active learning course (control) was taught in the same quarter by the same instructor using the same curricular materials but covering material in the standard (chapter-by-chapter) order. After accounting for incoming student characteristics, students from the treatment course scored significantly better than the control for two outcome measures: i) the final exam and ii) their immediately subsequent physics course. More importantly, students from minority groups who are underrepresented in physics had final exam scores as well as class grades that were indistinguishable from the rest of their class if and only if they were in the treatment class. Finally, many of the students in this cohort took a Concepts First course in their third quarter of introductory physics. The students who took at least one Concepts First course are found to have significantly higher rates of graduation with a STEM major than those students from this cohort who did not take a Concepts First course.

This action research examines how focused organization, group roles, and gender grouping impact student participation when working in a cooperative group setting. Fifty-two sixth graders were studied for a period of nine weeks. Results show when students are organized in their cooperative groups, there will be an increase in student participation. Participation also increased when students were given assigned roles. Lastly, this research shows that my hypothesis was incorrect by thinking participation would increase when students work in same gender cooperative groups. To come to these results, data was collected using a triangular approach focusing on observations, change in grades, and questionnaires. The following are appended: (1) Data Collection Matrix; (2) Teacher Observation Log: Focused Organization; (3) Focused Organization; (4) Teacher Observation Log: Group Roles; (5) Student Roles; (6) Group Roles; (7) Teacher Observation Log: Gender Grouping; and (8) Gender Grouping. (Contains 5 figures.)

This action research examines how focused organization, group roles, and gender grouping impact student participation when working in a cooperative group setting. Fifty-two sixth graders were studied for a period of nine weeks. Results show when students are organized in their cooperative groups, there will be an increase in student participation. Participation also increased when students were given assigned roles. Lastly, this research shows that my hypothesis was incorrect by thinking participation would increase when students work in same gender cooperative groups. To come to these results, data was collected using a triangular approach focusing on observations, change in grades, and questionnaires. The following are appended: (1) Data Collection Matrix; (2) Teacher Observation Log: Focused Organization; (3) Focused Organization; (4) Teacher Observation Log: Group Roles; (5) Student Roles; (6) Group Roles; (7) Teacher Observation Log: Gender Grouping; and (8) Gender Grouping. (Contains 5 figures.)

Open Networked Learning is an open online professional development course for educators in higher education who wish to investigate and discuss the design and teaching of collaborative online courses. The course is organised in a unique partnership between 14 institutions in six countries and is both an institutional professional development course and an arena for virtual exchange between educators from different cultures, institutions and disciplines. This chapter describes how the course successfully implements problem-based learning in facilitated groups in an online environment. The course employs a multi-layered approach to openness and allows learners to participate on three levels: as part of the course community, within the problem-based learning group and with individual reflection in a learning blog. This chapter examines the opportunities and challenges that have arisen and points to possible solutions.

The Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program at the University of Minnesota is a primary academic support program for historically difficult, introductory college courses that serve as gatekeepers to academic degree programs. Based upon operating principles of other academic support programs and educational theories, PAL is integrated into the courses it serves. The PAL groups review essential course content, model cognitive learning strategies to deepen understanding, and promote metacognitive awareness so students are autonomous learners in courses without academic support services. The PAL approach operates at the confluence of collaborative learning, cooperative learning groups, and learning communities. This article provides a detailed overview of the PAL model, educational theories upon which it is based, and how variations of it are implemented at the institution. Quantitative and qualitative studies reveal academic and personal benefits for participating students and those serving as PAL facilitators. The studies validate the role of PAL with closing the achievement gap between students of different ethnicities and levels of academic preparedness for rigorous college courses in mathematics and science.

Pedagogical shifts favouring collaborative learning and findings of recent studies have raised concerns regarding the claim that gifted students prefer to learn alone. The purpose of this study was to further investigate if, when and how high ability learners want to work with or without others. The distributions of 416 high ability students (n = 416; Gr. 3-8) responses to survey items were analyzed. Items assessed their general feelings about working alone and in a group and the appeal of specific conditions. Although a majority indicated they enjoyed learning alone, more also enjoyed group work-under certain conditions. Age differences were found but none related to gender. More of the younger students enjoyed teaching their peers while more of the older students were eager to contribute to group discussions and be seated in clusters. Sitting alone became increasingly unpopular with older students. The broad variability in the distribution of students' ratings across conditions demonstrated the preferences of high ability learners are sensitive to many factors in the setting, not just the involvement of others. High ability learners may prefer to work alone when attractive conditions for working in groups are not available. Evidence-based guidelines for group work are offered.

Pedagogical shifts favouring collaborative learning and findings of recent studies have raised concerns regarding the claim that gifted students prefer to learn alone. The purpose of this study was to further investigate if, when and how high ability learners want to work with or without others. The distributions of 416 high ability students (n = 416; Gr. 3-8) responses to survey items were analyzed. Items assessed their general feelings about working alone and in a group and the appeal of specific conditions. Although a majority indicated they enjoyed learning alone, more also enjoyed group work-under certain conditions. Age differences were found but none related to gender. More of the younger students enjoyed teaching their peers while more of the older students were eager to contribute to group discussions and be seated in clusters. Sitting alone became increasingly unpopular with older students. The broad variability in the distribution of students' ratings across conditions demonstrated the preferences of high ability learners are sensitive to many factors in the setting, not just the involvement of others. High ability learners may prefer to work alone when attractive conditions for working in groups are not available. Evidence-based guidelines for group work are offered.

Pedagogical shifts favouring collaborative learning and findings of recent studies have raised concerns regarding the claim that gifted students prefer to learn alone. The purpose of this study was to further investigate if, when and how high ability learners want to work with or without others. The distributions of 416 high ability students (n = 416; Gr. 3-8) responses to survey items were analyzed. Items assessed their general feelings about working alone and in a group and the appeal of specific conditions. Although a majority indicated they enjoyed learning alone, more also enjoyed group work-under certain conditions. Age differences were found but none related to gender. More of the younger students enjoyed teaching their peers while more of the older students were eager to contribute to group discussions and be seated in clusters. Sitting alone became increasingly unpopular with older students. The broad variability in the distribution of students' ratings across conditions demonstrated the preferences of high ability learners are sensitive to many factors in the setting, not just the involvement of others. High ability learners may prefer to work alone when attractive conditions for working in groups are not available. Evidence-based guidelines for group work are offered.

Pedagogical shifts favouring collaborative learning and findings of recent studies have raised concerns regarding the claim that gifted students prefer to learn alone. The purpose of this study was to further investigate if, when and how high ability learners want to work with or without others. The distributions of 416 high ability students (n = 416; Gr. 3-8) responses to survey items were analyzed. Items assessed their general feelings about working alone and in a group and the appeal of specific conditions. Although a majority indicated they enjoyed learning alone, more also enjoyed group work-under certain conditions. Age differences were found but none related to gender. More of the younger students enjoyed teaching their peers while more of the older students were eager to contribute to group discussions and be seated in clusters. Sitting alone became increasingly unpopular with older students. The broad variability in the distribution of students' ratings across conditions demonstrated the preferences of high ability learners are sensitive to many factors in the setting, not just the involvement of others. High ability learners may prefer to work alone when attractive conditions for working in groups are not available. Evidence-based guidelines for group work are offered.

The use of cooperative learning at the college level was studied by investigating whether different instructor intervention approaches would affect the achievement of college students using cooperative learning methods. Subjects were 97 undergraduate elementary education majors enrolled in three sections of a curriculum course at the University of South Florida (Tampa) College of Education during the second semester of the 1990-91 academic year. Nineteen learning teams were formed and randomly assigned to treatment conditions as follows: (1) directions and materials provided, but no instructor assistance (control group); (2) instructors provided advance organizers; and (3) instructors met with groups after sessions to answer questions and provide assistance. All treatment groups read the same materials and followed a similar schedule of activities. A pretest was followed by a posttest and an attitude questionnaire after the 2-week period. On the posttest, the control and follow-up discussion groups had nearly identical mean scores, with the mean for the advance organizer group more than two points higher. Students liked the cooperative learning situation, believed they learned the materials well, and preferred instructor assistance to the control condition. Results suggest that advance organizers may yield greater learning than do follow-up discussions. Five tables present study findings, and a 17-item list of references is included. (SLD)

When pain persists in the absence of injury or beyond the normal healing time (typically >3 months) it no longer serves a protective role and can lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated that altered learning processes play a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and reduction of chronic pain (Meulders et a., 2020; Gatzounis et al., 2021). Specifically, impaired safety learning (Schlitt et al., 2021: Zaman et al., 2015) excessive fear generalization (Meulders et al., 2014; Meulders et al., 2015) and resistance to extinction learning (Meulders et al., 2015) are typically observed in comparisons of adults with chronic pain compared to pain-free peers. Furthermore, these processes can result in individual engaging in maladaptive behaviors that maintain disability (Meulders et al., 2019; Breivik et al., 2006). While this research has informed contemporary models of pain-related disability and its treatment, investigation in adolescents (12-24 years) is limited, despite an equally high prevalence of chronic pain in this group. Research into learning processes in this population has largely been in the field of anxiety, and has demonstrated less differential learning, greater generalization, and reduced extinction when compared to adults. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive study of pain-related fear acquisition, generalization and extinction across adolescents and adults in both chronic pain and pain-free participants, with the aim of ascertaining the degree of generalizability of findings from adults to adolescents.

Rogers (1970) suggests that group therapy may be both safer and far more effective than individual counseling and therapy in achieving conditions which encourage learning and personal growth. There are many "how to's" and "do's and don'ts" which will ameliorate conditions for creating learning, or problem solving, groups. The author delineates many of those conditions in this paper along with some requisite dimensions of leader behavior, number behavior, and group process. (Author/HMV)

The present study attempts to expand current question categorization schemes to identify question types that discriminate good learners from their peers in collaborative problem-solving groups. The study also explores the effects of person and task variables on students' question-asking behaviors in an effort to identify those that facilitate mathematics problem solving. Forty-seven fifth graders from two independent urban schools that use cooperative-learning methods participated in the study. Students were asked to solve fraction problems in one set containing continuous problems and in another set consisting of discrete problems. A question-categorization scheme was devised to code student requests to each other for information or assistance. No significant differences were found in the numbers of questions asked by students of high, low, or average ability. Although this appears contradictory to some previous results, it may be that including question types that were not exclusively help seeking explains the discrepancy. Overall, results indicate that type of task interacts with student characteristics and the setting to affect performance and students' peer-directed questions. Prior experience with cooperative-learning groups appears to have affected problem-solving and questioning performance. Two figures present study findings. (Contains 73 references.) (SLD)

It can be difficult to find adequate strategies when teaching problem solving in a standard based mathematics classroom. The purpose of this study was to improve students' problem solving skills and attitudes through differentiated instruction when working on lengthy performance tasks in cooperative groups. This action research studied for 15 days whether students in a treatment group (n = 28), who were grouped by learning styles (auditory, kinesthetic, and visual), would display greater ability learning the standards or display better attitudes towards problem solving when compared to a control group (n = 28) who were grouped in random cooperative groups. When the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed, the results demonstrated that the treatment group did not show significant gains when compared to random cooperative groups. The following are appended: (1) Instructional Unit Plan: Quadratic Investigations; (2) Peer-Review Instructional Plan Rubric; (3) Unit 5 Math I Test: Factoring and Solving Quadratics; (4) Student Problem Solving Attitudes Scale; (5) Performance Task Answer Sheet; (6) Product Grading Rubric; (7) Learning Channel Preference; (8) Learning Style Menu; (9) Note Taking for Reflective Journal; (10) Reflective Journal Prompts; and (11) Learning Style Survey. (Contains 12 tables.)

I. Progress on the behavioral and the molecular biological goals: (1) We have finished, as originally proposed, the software and first actual physical system for computer-controlled training procedures with which to shape animal behavior and to perform learning-conditioning experiments. (2) We have constructed molecular biological vectors for generating muscarinic cholinergic receptor proteins pertaining specifically to all of the five known muscarinic receptors--this work follows on previous AFOSR-funded work relating to cholinergic enhancement of associative learning 14,15,11-13. II. Progress into the implications of attractors, perturbation analysis of neurons, and the use of language theory: (3) We have developed the conceptual rationale and conducted computer experiments to show that attractor gradients provide an integrative principle that globally acts on all synapses in a network of cooperative neurons. The consequences of this are extensive, and much naturally falls out naturally, e.g: synaptic strengths are optimally set with one another; the size of the Attractors, Dissipative action, learning, Muscarinic receptors, Symbolic dynamics, Finite-state automata, Neural networks, Neuron membrane perturbation analysis.

There is growing evidence of the special benefits to be derived from self-directed learning groups, in which students operate without an instructor, determining for themselves the rate and manner in which to study course material and to evaluate their performance. At Hope College, 54 students enrolled in a social psychology course in Fall 1966 were randomly assigned to groups of 6 after undergoing pre-testing, completing a pre-course questionnaire, and receiving a detailed syllabus, explanation of course requirements and grading procedures and a manual on small group discussion. Groups met once a week and turned in individually completed sheets reporting feelings toward the group and the particular meeting. About 1/3 to 1/2 the meetings were held in an observation room where the students were observed (from behind 1-way mirrors), tape recorded and videotaped. A voluntary meeting of the entire group took place every 2 weeks. Once a week, the professor was available for free discussion. Students took a final exam on course content and evaluated their own as well as individual group member's progress and contribution. Final grades "ere determined by exam performance, a paper or project, group member evaluation, and self-evaluation. Results were generally positive. Students and investigator learned much about group dynamics, critical thinking was better and the students' satisfaction with the course was high. Students having low GPAs reported better study than in other similar courses. There were some negative reactions but evidence indicates that small group interaction combined with established values of traditional teaching techniques produces an educational experience that is total, and not merely academic. (JS)

This multi-method study explored how children conceptualize emergent leadership in collaborative learning groups, and whether emergent leadership was associated with student achievement motivation. Fourth and fifth grade students participated in a collaborative math activity. After the group math task, 294 students were surveyed on their achievement orientation and emergence of leadership. Within their learning groups, a subset of 18 students was individually interviewed. The interview data revealed that elementary school- aged children are aware of the emergence of leadership in collaborative learning groups, describing leadership behaviors in two domains: task-focused and relationship-focused. The survey data revealed that while task-focused leadership was only associated with performance goal orientations. Relationships-focused leadership was associated with both mastery and performance goals, though the association was stronger with mastery goals. Taken together, this study shows the importance of including emergent leadership in the study of collaborative learning groups. (Contains 39 references.) (Author)

Includes bibliographies and index

"A publication of the Horace Mann-Lincoln Institute of School Experimentation, Teachers College, Columbia University."

The present research aims at contributing to the understanding of the different consequences of multi-attributional diversity and activation of stereotypes for targets and perceivers in CSCL groups in higher distance education. This is done by analysing self-reported and behavioral data.

This paper identifies differences between the three ethnic groups, namely, Kadazans/Dusuns, Bajaus, and other minority ethnic groups on the beliefs about learning English as a second language based on the five variables, that is, language aptitude, language learning difficulty, language learning and communicating strategies, nature of language learning as well as learning motivation and expectation. A modified version of Horwitz's (1987) Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) was distributed to all the 254 form four students in Lahat Datu but only 193 students responded. This survey instrument consists of 34 items. Results of a One-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference among ethnic groups on motivation and expectation in learning English. Bajau students showed the highest motivation and expectation in learning English, followed by other ethnic minorities compared to Kadazan/Dusun students. Although participants scored high for motivation and expectation to learn English, they perceived that English is a difficult language to acquire. BALLI is used to identify the misconceptions or beliefs held among learners and find ways to reduce the negative impacts in learning English.

This project seeks to find out whether giving students a choice in some aspect of their learning benefits them, to find out whether having a choice benefits certain groups of students, and to find out whether certain choices benefit certain groups of students.

This project seeks to find out whether giving students a choice in some aspect of their learning benefits them, to find out whether having a choice benefits certain groups of students, and to find out whether certain choices benefit certain groups of students.

This project seeks to find out whether giving students a choice in some aspect of their learning benefits them, to find out whether having a choice benefits certain groups of students, and to find out whether certain choices benefit certain groups of students.

This exemplary case study describes the learning process of two sixth-graders that learn from an animated worked-out example and an accompanying self-explanation prompt in the domain of fractions. It is based on a corresponding field study. The analysis focuses on the interaction with the computer, the communication between the students, the metacognitive aspects of the learning process and self-explanations. Supported with quantitative data, the qualitative results show that worked-out examples are proper materials for learning in groups of two. Furthermore, it is shown that self-explanation prompts have positive effects on the learning process and the analysed aspects. With detailed scenes it is elucidated, how the interactive capabilities and the animations are used during the learning process. [For the complete proceedings, see ED597799.]

This exemplary case study describes the learning process of two sixth-graders that learn from an animated worked-out example and an accompanying self-explanation prompt in the domain of fractions. It is based on a corresponding field study. The analysis focuses on the interaction with the computer, the communication between the students, the metacognitive aspects of the learning process and self-explanations. Supported with quantitative data, the qualitative results show that worked-out examples are proper materials for learning in groups of two. Furthermore, it is shown that self-explanation prompts have positive effects on the learning process and the analysed aspects. With detailed scenes it is elucidated, how the interactive capabilities and the animations are used during the learning process. [For the complete proceedings, see ED597799.]

preregistration

To investigate differences in social behavior between learning disabled (LD) and non-learning disabled (NLD) children in different size groups and to examine the association between children's social behavior and acceptance by their peers, a study was conducted of 44 LD and 50 NLD boys and 7 LD and 13 NLD girls from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classrooms in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The children were videotaped constructing an art project during two sessions: first, in same-sex dyads, one-third of which were both LD, one-third both NLD, and another third mixed; and again in same-sex groups of six containing both LD and NLD children. In general, LD children behaved less competently than NLD children in both dyads and groups, although both LD and NLD behavior was related to gender, group size, and peer acceptance. Specific findings included the following: (1) NLD boys tended to ignore the LD boys in dyads and to engage them in the activity through instructions in groups, while NLD girls tended to positively interact with LD girls in dyads but ignore them in groups; (2) negative remarks by LD boys were less evident in dyads than in groups, while LD girls engaged in high levels of giggling in dyads but were extremely passive in the group situation; and (3) for both boys and girls, more active NLD children were more liked, while more active LD children were less liked. Detailed findings for dyads and groups by sex and an inventory of verbal exchanges are appended. (BYC)

The current study aims at investigating the impact of homogeneous versus heterogeneous collaborative learning grouping in multicultural classes on the students' achievements and attitudes towards learning science. In the present study, heterogeneity was unpacked through two dimensions: the cultural background, represented by the different nationalities present in the class and the students' different abilities. The interaction between these two factors and their combined effect on the achievement and attitudes were also investigated. The study also considered an approach to provide quality teaching for a diverse group of students by neutralizing the heterogeneity factor or reducing its negative effect. For this purpose, 100 nine graders from more than 10 countries in an independent preparatory school in Doha / Qatar were divided into four classes and distributed over the following learning "STAD" groups: (1) Heterogeneous by ability but homogeneous by nationality; (2) Heterogeneous by nationality but homogeneous by ability; (3) Entirely heterogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality); and (4) Entirely homogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality). A diagnostic placement test, standardized pretest and posttest in addition to the regular school tests were used to measure the achievement of the students. A Questionnaire was developed to measure the attitudes of the students towards learning science as well as towards group working. The study concluded that the main effects of group structure on the students' attitudes towards learning science were demonstrated by the heterogeneous group. It affected all the attitude components except the "working with students from different cultural backgrounds" dimension, where nearly all group types had the same effect. However, this positive attitude was enhanced when the effect of mixed ability classes was combined with the effect of multiculturalism. Having foreign students or students from different cultures in a mixed ability class, yielded the best desired results. Therefore, the researcher highly recommends maximizing the heterogeneity in a class in all possible ways. The implemented collaborative learning strategy made learning more fun and beneficial for the students, enhanced their self confidence, academic awareness, and consequently their overall attitude towards science. The heterogeneity factor had a negative effect on the achievement of the students. The students in the mixed ability classes scored less than the students in other groups. However, when the "same ability" groups contained students from different cultural backgrounds, the results were the most favorable. The optimum class composition that may yield best achievement results and constructs positive attitudes is a compromise that maximizes group diversity and prevents individual isolation. The interaction between the two factors (ability + multiculturalism) gives the best desired results. In multicultural classes, collaborative learning should be supported by a multicultural education program, otherwise it would have little if any positive effect on the students achievement and attitudes towards learning science. (Contains 21 tables and 1 figure.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

The current study aims at investigating the impact of homogeneous versus heterogeneous collaborative learning grouping in multicultural classes on the students' achievements and attitudes towards learning science. In the present study, heterogeneity was unpacked through two dimensions: the cultural background, represented by the different nationalities present in the class and the students' different abilities. The interaction between these two factors and their combined effect on the achievement and attitudes were also investigated. The study also considered an approach to provide quality teaching for a diverse group of students by neutralizing the heterogeneity factor or reducing its negative effect. For this purpose, 100 nine graders from more than 10 countries in an independent preparatory school in Doha / Qatar were divided into four classes and distributed over the following learning "STAD" groups: (1) Heterogeneous by ability but homogeneous by nationality; (2) Heterogeneous by nationality but homogeneous by ability; (3) Entirely heterogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality); and (4) Entirely homogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality). A diagnostic placement test, standardized pretest and posttest in addition to the regular school tests were used to measure the achievement of the students. A Questionnaire was developed to measure the attitudes of the students towards learning science as well as towards group working. The study concluded that the main effects of group structure on the students' attitudes towards learning science were demonstrated by the heterogeneous group. It affected all the attitude components except the "working with students from different cultural backgrounds" dimension, where nearly all group types had the same effect. However, this positive attitude was enhanced when the effect of mixed ability classes was combined with the effect of multiculturalism. Having foreign students or students from different cultures in a mixed ability class, yielded the best desired results. Therefore, the researcher highly recommends maximizing the heterogeneity in a class in all possible ways. The implemented collaborative learning strategy made learning more fun and beneficial for the students, enhanced their self confidence, academic awareness, and consequently their overall attitude towards science. The heterogeneity factor had a negative effect on the achievement of the students. The students in the mixed ability classes scored less than the students in other groups. However, when the "same ability" groups contained students from different cultural backgrounds, the results were the most favorable. The optimum class composition that may yield best achievement results and constructs positive attitudes is a compromise that maximizes group diversity and prevents individual isolation. The interaction between the two factors (ability + multiculturalism) gives the best desired results. In multicultural classes, collaborative learning should be supported by a multicultural education program, otherwise it would have little if any positive effect on the students achievement and attitudes towards learning science. (Contains 21 tables and 1 figure.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

Isolated from other professionals, teachers and their practice are embedded within a hierarchical system in which the day-to-day activities are governed by external forces: administrative mandates, parental request, and currently, legislative directives. One issue facing teachers today and about which their voices are infrequently heard is that of culture, and the growing diversity of the pupil population of the United States. This diversity stands in contrast to a notable lack of apparent diversity in the teaching force. This paper is about teacher study groups as activity settings where teachers might break free of that isolation and engage in powerful learning about culture and literacy. The paper reports on research conducted from 1995 through 1997 on two study group contexts for teacher learning--one focused on exploring culture, literacy, and autobiography through a master's course, and a subsequent voluntary book club called the Literary Circle, which continued for two years. The paper states that the study of the activity settings and participants' conversations in the course and the book club led to the theorizing about the meaning of "sustain" and "sustainable" when referring to teacher development in study groups. It first describes the research into the two study groups, as well as the underlying rationale for the thematic focus and value placed on conversations within the study group. It then shifts focus to a discussion of sustainability in light of the groups' described activities and subsequent initiatives. (Contains 27 references.) (NKA)

The aim of this paper is to present "the three steps method" of the self-formation of collaborative groups in a problem-based learning environment. The self-formation of collaborative groups is based on sharing of accountability among students for solving instructional problems. The steps of the method are planning collaborative problem solving, self-evaluation of students, and building collaborative groups. The planning comprises determination of the nomenclature of higher order thinking (HOT) skills, defining the instructional problems and their complexity levels, creating problem groups according to the complexity levels, setting the problem-relevant HOT skills, determining the accountability measure and the assessments of accountability for solving the problems. The self-evaluation includes self-detection of personal HOT skills, measurement of the diversity between the personal HOT skills and the problem-relevant skills based on the proposed diversity measure, and self-evaluation of willingness and desire of a student to take accountability for solving the instructional problems. The personal willingness is evaluated by the diversity measure. The desire is guided by the accountability assessments for problem solving. Coordination of the self-evaluation outcomes allows building collaborative groups. A group's composition is adjusted by the specific requirements of an instructor.

A mixed-method quasi-experimental study was designed to determine how 130 undergraduates in an introductory astronomy survey course laboratory changed their understanding of scientific inquiry working as individuals in relative isolation compared to working in small, collaborative learning groups when using specially designed astronomy curricula based on a backwards faded scaffolding approach (Slater, Slater, & Lyons, 2010). The results of this two-group comparison study were determined by examining the change in responses from the pretest to the posttest administration of the Views of Scientific Inquiry (VOSI) survey (Schwartz, Lederman, & Lederman, 2008), the increase in scores on laboratory exercises, and analysis of field notes from the instructor. Analysis suggests that all students increased their understanding of scientific inquiry and astronomy when using the specially designed course materials regardless if the students were working in groups or individually in the learning laboratories. However, qualitative analysis yields further insight that there exists a qualitative difference in the complexity of research questions students working in groups elect to pursue over those students working independently.

When gathering data for the design and evaluation of physical learning environments, there is a significant challenge in traversing, or translating, architect/designer language and stakeholders' verbal accounts of their expectations, preferences and experiences. In a series of studies used to provide data for both the evaluation of existing spaces and the design of future spaces, the authors utilized three focus group methods that incorporated elements of participatory design and visual play in activities. This paper describes these methods and the efficacy of each method in the context of physical learning environment evaluation and design.

The effects of cooperative learning on students' perceptions of themselves and their roles in academic settings are explored. A group of 28 students from seven intermediate classrooms in an urban school system were selected to be videotaped while participating in a cooperative problem-solving lesson and were subsequently interviewed. The students were grouped heterogeneously by race and sex, and homogeneously by ability. The students' responses to the cooperative learning setting were analyzed within the following four major categories: (1) achievement level; (2) personal worth; (3) formation of friendships with students of different ethnic groups and sexes; and (4) enjoyment of school. Although responses in all four categories were positive for the majority of the students, significant differences in the perceptions of black and white, and of female and male students were found. These findings suggest that despite the demonstrated value of cooperative learning settings, they may subtly reinforce racial and sexual normative roles. The study concludes with the following three recommendations for future research: (1) teacher effect and experience should be considered and controlled; (2) individual group dynamics should be carefully studied; and (3) teacher role in structuring outcomes in cooperative groups should be investigated. A 13-item list of references is appended. (AF)

The literature and research on adult learning in groups is reviewed in this paper. The adult educator must develop expertise in understanding leadership as it relates to groups so he can provide for the evolution of group cohesiveness in the curriculum development process. He must strive to organize varied group interaction and action opportunities to select learning experiences which facilitate both individual and group learning effectiveness, and to recognize that each adult educator as instructor is also a member of the groups he leads. A nine page bibliography is included. (KP)