Abstract This paper examines the concept of cooperative learning, the instructional use of small groups in which students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning through reaching shared goals. Through a literature review it evaluates the advantages of cooperative learning over competitive learning, grades, test scores, etc. and other methods. It looks at the general theory and provides a general implementation plan for applying it to today's classroom.
Outline
Introduction
History of Cooperative Learning
Current Status of Cooperative Learning Theory
Specifying the Precise Elements of Cooperative Learning That Maximize Learning Outcomes
Distinguishing Cooperative Learning Methods From Other Methods
Implementation of Cooperative Learning Strategies in The Classroom
The General Implementation Plan
Specific Example of Classroom Lesson
Summary
From the Paper "It should be noted that structures can be used over and over again. They can also be used with almost any subject area and in a variety of grade levels. Every structure incorporates positive interdependence, individual accountability, and simultaneous interaction. Further, it is important that teachers understand that in terms of implementing cooperative learning strategies, these instructional models should not take over the whole classroom. There should still be individualized instruction throughout the day; however, all students can benefit in some way by listening to and working with others during at least some of the class period."
Abstract This paper determines if it is possible for all intermediate schools and high schools in the United States to acknowledge that the use of "illegal substances" (i.e. controlled drugs and alcohol) by students has become a serious issue that not only endangers the well being of the student bodies, the faculties and the administrations, but also threatens the educational goals of the various schools. The purpose of this is to establish a policy of open information concerning substance abuse, one that will officially state that schools will no longer tolerate any attempts by parents, students, government agencies, or other interest groups to make the issue seem less critical than it is. The paper examines the current scope of the problem. It explores three separate approaches to the problem - a curative approach (The Effective Drug Control Strategy program), a preventative strategy (the DARE program) the POSIT strategy for screening offenders. The paper concludes that the Effective Drug Control Strategy would be the most effective in dealing with drug abuse in American schools.
From the Paper "The most widely known (and sometimes praised) program is "DARE," a program of slides, booklets, T-shirts and so on, that is aimed at fourth and fifth graders. A recent editorial in the Detroit News made some stunning and highly defensible arguments against DARE. The editorial was based on a news story in the same paper that pointed out that there was no difference in crime or drug abuse incidents between 33 local school districts that offered DARE and others that didn't."
Abstract In "The Story of the Education Dollar", Allen Odden, David Monk, Yasser Nakib and Lawrence Picus describe some basic facts about education spending in the United States to facilitate an understanding of the level and uses of the federal government's policies on education funding. The paper shows that the purpose of the authors' discussion is to argue that public education facilities need to change their focus on the consumption of educational resources to a focus on producing high levels of student achievement. It shows how they contend that such a redirection in focus will require large improvements in student achievement, given that only about 10 percent of students currently attain the desired level of achievement across the board in mathematics, science, writing, history, geography and civics. The paper then shows how James Traub, in his article "What No School Can Do", expands on their discussion to argue for the necessary inclusion of after-care activities for inner-city youth in any successful educational spending program.
From the Paper "Odden et al. note that their analysis of spending patterns across the 50 states is supported by the conclusions reached by the Finance Center of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE), although the results of their research did diverge in some significant ways. Odden et al. examined spending and staffing patterns at the district and school levels. They also scrutinized staffing patterns of expenditures by function and program and spending across curriculum content areas in California, Florida and New York. Their major conclusion was that while there had been considerable national investment in public education during the 20th century, as a rule the funds were distributed unfairly and used ineffectively."
Abstract This paper examines the issues concerning the establishment of online distance learning courses at Eujean City Community College. It analyzes how in order to implement the program, several components need to be considered to justify its establishment such as the rationale, the mission, the goals and the resources required. It also considers the program's relevance to the college and the community. It evaluates how the provision of online distance learning courses enables Eujean City Community College to offer more courses to a larger student population and provides an effective tool of meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population without incurring excessive expenses.
From the Paper "The establishment of online courses at Eujean City Community College provides a viable solution for the college to deal with the financial constraints caused by reduced state and local government funding. The demand for continuing education has increased nationwide: the number of students needing traditional higher education has risen from 15 million to 20 million in the United States. Entrepreneurs and for-profit schools, as well as other community colleges, are seizing the opportunities to encroach on the traditional student population of community colleges through online courses (Dunn, 2000, p. 38). Therefore, with increasing numbers of people returning to schools and rising competition from a variety of sectors, Eujean City Community College's Online Distance Education Program can increase productivity and efficiency (Callan, 1997, p. 10). "
Abstract The paper gives the background of the controversy surrounding dress codes in schools, from students who claim the restrictiveness to sources that cite the declining level of violence where dress codes are enforced. The paper specifically argues the case in order to decrease the occurrence of gang-related attire. The paper includes a detailed example of a dress code and recommendations to school districts for implementation.
From the Paper "The dress code provides a balance between an individual's First Amendment right to free expression and the school's responsibility to provide a safe and secure educational environment. Schools have a responsibility to customize their individual dress codes to address the needs and standards of their communities through use of a process that ensures input from students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as other interested community members. On the other hand, students and their parents or guardians have a responsibility to be aware of the school dress code and to conform to its requirements. Finally, the principal of each school has a responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy stated herein."
Abstract Certain ideas about the relationship between education, poverty, and employment opportunities are assumed by much of society. Firstly, it is assumed that gaining a formal education is a key to achieving advancement and to attaining employment opportunities. Poverty is seen as reducing one's ability to gain an education, just as gaining an education is seen as a way of overcoming poverty. The social importance of education is emphasized again and again in the literature on education and also in the literature on various social problems. This paper examines the writings of several writers including Jonathan Kozol in his book "Savage Inequalities" and Jean Anyon in "Ghetto Schooling". The paper discusses how these writers analyze these issues in various ways.
From the Paper "Education as it is formulated in theory is based on a number of familiar assumptions in American society, assumptions about intelligence, the profession of teaching, and public policy concerning the structure and financing of education, all of which enter into the sense of school as a fairness zone. The first assumption is that intellectual ability is a quality that an individual possesses as the result of biogenetic causes and that the individual develops or fails to develop as a matter of personal volition."
Tags: Supreme, Court, segregation, Sol, Stern, William, Henry
Abstract This paper discusses how aside from the random violence such as the incidents in Littleton, Colorado and West Paducah, Kentucky, most school administrators are more concerned about day-to-day problems such as fights among students and vandalism. It looks at how in order to assist schools in maintaining safety while providing an atmosphere conducive to learning, the federal government has enacted several laws and programs designed to guide school districts in drafting effective security policies. Some of these laws are explored including Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA) which and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
From the Paper "Specifically, President Clinton's announced that his administration would seek to create incentives to encourage school districts -- in consultation with parents, teachers, students, law enforcement officials, mental heath providers and other members of the community -- to use relevant drug and violence data to develop comprehensive plans for several areas (NSSSS, 2000). First, school districts should develop plans to adopt and enforce clear and fair discipline polices such as zero tolerance polices for guns and drugs, school uniforms, closed campus policies, and parent notification and involvement in student behavioral problems (NSSSS, 2000). Second, schools should develop a system for securing schools and pathways through the use of metal detectors, if necessary, or formal agreements with law enforcement to patrol school areas (NSSSS, 2000)."
Abstract An introduction to the life of Maria Montessori and a discussion of her work. The author looks at the ways in which her teaching techniques differ from those of the traditional school, her ideas and theories on teaching, and her teaching style. This paper discusses the history of the Montessori system of education and its revival after Maria's death. It describes how Montessori schools have changed the way people look at education, and how educators work with children.
From the Paper "Maria Montessori was born in Italy in the town of Chiaravalle in the province of Ancona on August 31, 1870. Her father, Alessandro, was a civil servant, and her mother, Renilde Stoppani, was an educated woman at a time when most women were not. Maria spent her young years in Florence, and then Rome, where she grew up. She did well in school, and after she discovered learning was easy for her, she began to study with real enthusiasm. Even when she was young, she became a leader in schoolyard games and in dealing with the other children. "The girl that comes through these stories is self-confident, strong-willed, a little smug. She has the sense of duty that sometimes makes for intolerance of others. In short, a born social reformer. Certainly a striking maverick in that time and place" (Kramer 28)."
Abstract This paper begins by looking at Plato's views on education in which he believes that educators must have a deep concern for the well-being and future of their subjects. He believed that education is a moral industry and the goal of educators should be to search for truth and virtue. They should use this truth and virtue to guide those that they teach. It then shows how John Locke's thoughts in "Some Thoughts Concerning Education" was similar to Plato's views in "The Republic", as Locke asserted that the goal of education is not to create a scholar, but rather to create a virtuous man.
From the Paper Plato revealed his ideas for an ideal society in The Republic, providing great detail regarding the shape and curriculum of an educational system. According to Plato, in an ideal society, the guardian class would be solely responsible for overseeing all matters. As an ideal society would already be perfect, there would be no need for change. Every person would have his place and slaves, craftsmen and merchants would understand what was expected of them. Slaves would serve others. Craftsmen and merchants would serve apprenticeships. And the guardian class would be educated to become rulers."
Abstract This paper is a brief discussion about the possible advantages that introducing prayer in a school assembly could provide. Included are considerations such as tolerance, added spirituality and lowering of violence levels in schools.
From the Paper "The Supreme Court decided against prayer in school in the case of Engel vs. Vitale on Jun 25th, 1962. Mr. Justice Stewart was the only vote against the court's decision which he remarked: ?I cannot see how an 'official religion' is established by letting those who want to say a prayer say it. On the contrary, I think that to deny the wish of these school children to join in reciting this prayer is to deny them the opportunity of sharing in the spiritual heritage of our Nation.? (religioustolerance.org, sect. 3). In this particular time in America, I feel it is important to extend religious tolerance into the schools and establish school prayer for those students whose faith require prayer throughout the day, or feel compelled to join in a voluntary school assembly."
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of multiculturalism and its connection to teaching students for whom English is a second language. It examines two main schools of thought. One believes that although schools should recognize the diversity of cultures in our midst, the primary goal of education should be to teach all children to speak English fluently, as soon as possible, and to make sure they are solidly grounded in mainstream American culture. An alternate view is that instructional approaches should support the development of the primary language and understanding of the primary culture rather than acculturation to mainstream culture.
From the Paper "Over the past few decades, the United States has become a country of markedly more diverse subcultures than ever before. At the same time, educators have grown in their understanding and appreciation of the richness that diversity can bring to the educational environment. In spite of this, little research has gone into the effects of language instruction on the cultural development and understanding of students for whom English is a second language. The value of multicultural education is recognized at all levels of education in our country. Recognition of cultural differences as an enriching fact does exist in preschool. However, some educators concerned with the needs of "second culture" children believe that culture and language cannot be separated, and that cultural diversity that eliminates the child's primary language is inherently distorting (Phillips & Crowell, 1999a)."
Abstract This paper looks at how in the increasing competitiveness of today's world, more people suffer from the effects of stress and how for many, work- and school-related stress has resulted in poor work performance as well as ill health. It looks at how a combination of discipline, time management and relaxation techniques have been proven effective in handling stressful situations ranging from a life-threatening illness to a week full of exams.
From the Paper "A time management approach will allow a student to determine priorities. Most students would benefit from a flexible study time of studying six days a week instead of cramming everything the night before the exam. The allocation of time will be determined by a student's strengths and needs. As a hypothetical example, assume that Sara is a college student who is good at Math but find difficulty organizing her thoughts in writing. Therefore, she could fix a study schedule that allots more time to prepare her essay while still allowing herself enough time to study for an Algebra midterm."
A discussion on the decline in the number of middle and junior high schools implementing intramural sports programs, and what affect this might have on the students.
Abstract This paper discusses both the positive and negative aspects of competitive sports on teenagers. It shows that many positive benefits for young adolescents may result from participation in sports which can enhance their self-esteem and increase their interest in sports. However, the writer also discusses that when young adolescent needs and interests become secondary to pressures and unreasonable expectations from coaches, parents, the community, and even themselves, sports often have the opposite effect.
From the Paper "Over the last two decades, there has been a steady decline in the number of middle and junior high schools implementing intramural sports programs. Data from a 1993 national survey of 1,798 middle schools reported 63% of schools offered intramural sports programs for sixth graders, a decrease of 5% in 5 years. The decline was even more pronounced at the seventh grade level, where 58% of grade 7 in middle schools had intramural sports programs as compared with 67% in 1988, a decrease of 9% in five years (Sports in Middle Grades, 2001). Similar decreases were found at the eighth grade level (McEwin, Dickinson, & Jenkins, 1996). The same study found the higher the middle grade, the less likely students were to have access to intramural programs. The general trend seems to be toward smaller percentages of schools offering intramural programs. Given the high percentage of schools that offer interscholastic programs, especially at the senior high level, but also at the middle school level -- why the trend to get rid of intramural sports programs?"
Abstract This paper is an opinion paper about the need for more emphasized sex education in high schools in order to promote correct use of birth-control and to assist in avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among teenagers. The paper includes statistics which indicate that ignorance is one of the leading factors for teenage pregnancy and STDs and argues that the educational system is failing today's youth.
From the Paper "In modern society, safe sex has become a major concern in the United States. As early as elementary school, individuals are learning all about the ?birds and the bees (Warwick Boar, 2003)?. People can walk into any Health Clinic and receive free condoms and information on safe sex. Today, sex is a subject of conversation everywhere and is considered a social topic.
The media supports the free-spirited attitudes people have toward sex, as the news reports sexual research, and television shows focus on "the pleasure and problems of sexual situations" (Duvall, p. 336). However, despite the abundance of information available about safe sex, according to a recent survey by Cosmopolitan, 53 percent of young women are having, or have had, unprotected sex, greatly increasing their risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or becoming pregnant."
Abstract This study asks if an interactive school-based HIV/AIDS prevention/education program for multi-ethnic urban seventh and eighth graders can increase their knowledge about HIV/AIDS, promote positive attitudes towards people with AIDS and encourage the desire for changes in the high risk behavior. The paper states that this research is based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), introduced by Fishbein in 1967 and suggests that a person's attitude toward any object is a function of his or her belief about the object and the evaluative aspects of those beliefs. The author proposes that an HIV educational program intervention will be used with a design consisting of a pre-test and post-test evaluation of an educational intervention on HIV/AIDS prevention to seventh and eighth grade students.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Framework
Research Question/Hypothesis
Methodology
Research Design
Research Sample
Independent Variable
Research Results
Implications for Family/
Community Health Nurse Practitioners
Implications for Target Population/Community
Summary
Appendix
From the Paper "In the United States, HIV/STD infections are prevalent among the African Americans, and the Latinas in urban and rural areas especially in districts where the unemployment rate is high and impoverished families cannot send their children to school. Out-of-school youth ages 12-19 are most stricken and while efforts are being heightened and the federal government and other funding organizations are helping, HIV/STD cases still exist and programs don?t seem to work out at all."
