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Letter from the Co-president Dear IASCE Members, First, the BIG news. Details are available for our upcoming conference in Singapore. Hold these dates—June 21-24, 2004, read Richard Dawson’s dynamic description of the plans already in place, access complete conference details through our website www.IASCE.net, and remember that proposals for presentations are due in November. Starting with a day of pre-conference workshops and concluding with a day of post-conference Heritage Tours, we expect this to be an exciting “next step” in the evolution of IASCE. As we work with Christine Lee and George Jacobs--both IASCE board members and residents of Singapore--to plan our first conference in Asia, Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz reminds us of the origins of IASCE. Her article—the latest “calling card” in the Forum series designed to describe the development of cooperative learning around the world—provides us with the historical context for, and aspects of the current research and practice of, cooperative learning in Israel. Special thanks to board members Yael Sharan and Kathryn Markovchick for coordinating the Forum. Once again, IASCE Newsletter editor George Jacobs presents us with a compilation of conference and article abstracts related to cooperation. This compilation is impressive and we are reminded just how broad and how deep is the study of cooperation. The works abstracted in this issue explore the benefits of cooperation in elementary schools, high schools, universities, and businesses. Several themes are examined in multiple articles. These themes include the need for good interpersonal and small-group learning skills, the value of cooperation in second language acquisition, the benefits of developing the use of electronic learning mediums to include cooperation, and the importance of teacher attitude towards, and skills in, cooperation. As I read the abstracts compiled for each issue of the newsletter, I am reminded that the power and potential of cooperation are great and that realization of this potential is through thoughtful, consistent, and value-added hard work. We hope you enjoy this issue of the IASCE Newsletter. Please share it with your colleagues, encourage them to join IASCE, and remember to visit our website. IASCE will soon be 25 years old. Like most 25-year olds, we have energy, hopes, and dreams; we have a lot to share and still have a lot to learn. We value your help and your commitment and hope to see you all in Singapore. Cooperatively yours, Lynda
Lynda Baloche
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