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Letter from the Co-president Dear IASCE Members, This newsletter is our final newsletter for the year 2002 and it marks the end of our “paper dependency.” Beginning with our first newsletter in 2003, individual members may choose to receive their newsletters electronically. If you want the advantages—speed and reduced membership fees--of an electronic newsletter, make sure to let our office know (if you have not already done so) by completing and returning the form that is inserted in this newsletter. If you prefer to continue to receive your newsletter “on paper,” that is OK too—we do not have plans to eliminate that option; many of us enjoy the colors and textures of print copy and the pleasures of sitting in a comfy chair for a nice leisurely read. In this newsletter we continue to share, and expand on, the excitement and energy of Manchester 2002. One outcome of Manchester has been the creation of the IASCE Forum. Board Members Yael Sharan and Kathryn Markovchick have developed this forum with the purpose of strengthening links between IASCE and users of cooperative learning around the world. In these pages we hear voices and reports from Lithuania, Italy, and Lebanon; we plan to include reports from additional voices and countries in future issues. These voices not only tell us about the expansion of cooperative learning around the world, but also provide us with important views of how cooperative learning is contextualized in different cultures and in different social and political structures. Once again, Board Member George Jacobs has compiled a helpful annotated list of resources—book length, journal, and web-based materials--related to cooperative learning in a wide variety of contexts. Once upon a time, when I looked at new resources, I focused on items that related directly to the educational levels and contents I teach. I’ve learned that this was too narrow a focus and that just about any thoughtful research about, and use of, cooperative learning can stimulate my own thinking and my own practice. I hope you find these resources as helpful and interesting as I do. Remember to share one with a colleague too! Two more things: First, a reminder to check our website at www.IASCE.net. The Manchester abstracts are available as well as the entire texts of several plenary sessions—including the one by Elizabeth Cohen. Second, an announcement that Teaching Cooperative Learning: The Challenges for Teacher Education will soon be published by State University of New York Press. This book, edited by IASCE Co-President Celeste Brody and former board members Elizabeth Cohen and Mara Sapon Shevin, is partially sponsored by IASCE. This newsletter, our recent conference, the IASCE website, and publications such as this upcoming book are all examples of ways your support of IASCE helps IASCE to support, and expand, the thoughtful use of cooperative learning around the world. Thank you. Cooperatively yours,
Lynda Baloche
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