Teamwork builds cooperation, problem solving, active learning, and responsibility, all of which are increasingly important in both the classroom and the workplace. "Using Student Teams in the Classroom" is a helpful guide for all faculty who want to actively engage students with both the material and one another by using teamwork. The examples in this book are drawn from a wide variety of fields, including architecture, biology, ceramics, engineering, and English. The range of imaginative teaching strategies -- all of which include students working in groups -- is evidence of the wealth of ways in which cooperative learning can be incorporated in college classrooms. The authors bring together diverse examples and interesting applications and combine them with a solid explanation of some of the caveats of cooperative learning and deep respect for the ways in which such pedagogical changes will challenge long-held beliefs and practices. -- From publisher's description.

Using a very interactive, hands-on approach that captures the essence of how a stimulating and active Cooperative Learning classroom operates, this text guides students through the concepts and steps necessary to develop and implement a successful Cooperative Learning strategy K-12. Comprehensive in approach, it provides a broad, accessible review of the research base; offers a new, simplified model for teachers to use when implementing team learning; provides an exceptionally wide range of examples of successful lessons at every grade level and in all subject areas; and features an abundance of activities and classroom tasks that require students to actively solve problems, make decisions and think critically about Cooperative Learning programs.

How do you create effective STEM classrooms that energize students, help them grow into creative thinkers and collaborators, and prepare them for their futures? This practical book from expert Anne Jolly has all the answers and tools you need to get started or enhance your current program. Based on the author’s popular MiddleWeb blog of the same name, STEM by Design reveals the secrets to successful lessons in which students use science, math, and technology to solve real-world engineering design problems. You’ll learn how to: Select and adapt quality existing STEM lessons that present authentic problems, allow for creative approaches, and engage students in meaningful teamwork; Create your own student-centered STEM lessons based on the Engineering Design Process; Assess students’ understanding of basic STEM concepts, their problem-solving abilities, and their level of engagement with the material; Teach STEM in after-school programs to further build on concepts covered in class; Empower girls to aspire to careers in STEM and break down the barriers of gender bias; Tap into STEM's project-based learning style to attract and engage all students. Throughout this user-friendly book, you’ll find design tools such as checklists, activities, and assessments to aid you in developing or adapting STEM lessons. These tools, as well as additional teacher resources, are also available as free downloads from the book’s website, http://www.stem-by-design.com.

The Brain that Does the Work is the Brain that Learns. This simple truth is the essence of Student-led academic teaming, a new pedagogical model which elevates core instruction to a level of rigor far beyond that of traditional classrooms and familiar grouping strategies. In academic teams, students learn to collaborate and communicate with their peers while engaging in rigorous, standards-based tasks"€"a combination that clears the most effective path to true social, emotional, and cognitive learning (SECL). Authors Michael Toth and David Sousa have spent years researching academic frameworks and observing schools all over the country. They've found students disengaged, classrooms rooted in 19th century techniques, and teachers working themselves to the breaking point trying to force each student to meet state standards]€]but education doesn't have to be miserable, inequitable, and unpredictable. In Student-led academic teams, it's the kids who take ownership of their learning. Every st

Directed to teachers, facilitators, and counselors, offers more than 170 cooperative activities for classrooms, summer camps, and family occasions designed to improve children's problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate.

As teachers today work in ever more challenging contexts, groupwork remains a particularly effective pedagogical strategy. Based on years of research and teaching experience, the new edition of this popular book features significant updates on the successful use of cooperative learning to build equitable classrooms. Designing Groupwork, Third Edition incorporates current research findings with new material on what makes for a groupworthy task, and shows how groupwork contributes to growth and development in the language of instruction. Responding to new curriculum standards and assessments across all grade levels and subject areas, this edition shows teachers how to organize their classroom so that all students participate actively. This valuable and sensible resource is essential reading for educators at both the elementary and secondary levels, for teachers in training, and for anyone working in the field of education.

While most educators believe working in teams is valuable, not all team efforts lead to instructional improvement. Through richly detailed case studies The Power of Teacher Teams demonstrates how schools can transform their teams into more effective learning communities that foster teacher leadership. The benefits of successful teacher teams include: improved performance for both teachers and students; meaningful professional development; group adoption of a new curriculum; shared insights into student work; better classroom management; support for new teachers; new roles for teacher leaders; and opportuniteis for mentor support.School leaders will find guidelines, methods, and concrete steps for building and sustaining effective teacher teams. Also included is a DVD with video case studies and one CD with reproducibles. The most important reason for building teacher teams is to enhance student learning through improved instruction, and that story is at the heart of this book.