Introduction: In group learning settings like problem-based learning (PBL), the quality of interaction is closely related to group success. However, research and practice have shown that the interaction in tutorial groups is not optimal. In the present study, a questionnaire was used to measure students' perceptions of occurrence and desirability…

Although over 15 years have passed since Witt (1990) noted that no empirical evidence exists to support the contention that a collaborative approach to consultation leads to more positive outcomes than a hierarchical or expert driven approach, this issue generally remains unaddressed (Schulte & Osborne, 2003). While the literature documenting…

The "Community of Inquiry" (COI) theoretical framework suggests that successful higher education experiences are supported by the presence and interaction of cognitive, social and teaching elements. Since the COI model has been widely used for examining quality of asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) educational interactions, its…

We present results from a comparative study of student understanding for students who attended recitation classes that used different teaching methods. Student volunteers from our introductory calculus-based physics course attended a special recitation class that was taught using one of four different teaching methods. A total of 272 students were…

More students with vision and hearing impairments and with hidden handicaps such as learning and emotional disabilities are seeking college degrees, and colleges are responding with technology and other support services to promote these students' independence and success. (MSE)

Discusses the importance of academic support services in ensuring the effectiveness of developmental programs. Describes the Learning Assistance Support System developed in Washington's community college system and Luzerne County Community College's Institute for Developmental Educational Activities. (DMM)

Summarizes some elements which contribute to the quality of a tutorial system in engineering education. Uses a case study of the civil engineering program at the University of Waterloo (Great Britain) to examine the relationships between various aspects of this type of program. (TW)

Reviews the availability and use of educational software in elementary and secondary education. Topics discussed include the slow growth of software purchased by schools, programs that support the curriculum, word processing, tutorials, and trends toward networking and MS-DOS compatible software. (LRW)

A cross-age tutoring program designed to improve school performance of tutors (adolescents classified as emotionally disturbed) and tutees (children classified as educable mentally retarded) was replicated in an urban public school district. Results showed that both tutors and tutees improved on academic and social measures of school performance.…

The effectiveness of a supervised cross-age tutoring program in mathematics operations was assessed using 51 grade-six children and 25 grade-five children who tutored 51 grade-three and 25 grade-two children on a one-to-one basis for 30 minutes per day, for 20 days. (Author/PN)

Describes the general data management and file processing system created by the Open University to assist the tutor-counsellors in their support of students. The differences between the tutorial and the counselling functions are discussed, details are given of the type of information stored on disc. (EAO)

Implications of social psychological theory and research, particularly in the area of social influence, are examined to provide a theoretical foundation for cross-age tutoring programs. Areas discussed include the effectiveness of various bases of social influence and the effects of tutoring programs on students, tutors, and teachers. (Author/SJL)

Since 1970, liaisons between the Open University and local providers of adult education have assisted in preparing adults for studying in the Open University. Two examples from joint work with the Workers' Educational Association are cited. (Author/AF)

Shows how a structured tutoring program helped increase both student and tutor reading scores. (JT)

Participation in supplemental tutoring led to a significant improvement in classroom behavior although significant changes in achievement and self-concept were not found. Volunteers acted as role models and helped children with personal and social guidance for coping with the educational system. (JAC)