Students working together in small groups are a familiar scene in Australian elementary schools. But why are small groups used, and who benefits from their use? This book puts the case for small-group organization in the light of contemporary educational theory. In doing so, the book guides the teacher taking the first steps towards small-group practices, while serving as a refreshing challenge to the teacher who already "does" small-group learning. Clearly structured and filled with examples, the book aims to meet teachers in the middle of their daily practice. It is about curriculum and classroom planning--in particular, about how to plan teaching to manage student learning as effectively and productively as possible. Following an introduction, the book is divided into these chapters: (1) Why Small Groups?; (2) Understanding Small Groups; (3) Planning for Small Groups; (4) A Planning Model for Small-Group Learning: A Summary of the Planning Model; (5) Using the Planning Model; (6) Managing Engagement and Exploration; (7) Managing Transformation and Presentation; (8) Managing Reflection; and (9) Managing Professional Growth. (Contains 74 references.) (NKA)