Restraints of the age-graded classroom on grade-level organizational structures have been present since the beginning of formal schooling in the United States. Using interpretivist case study methods, this research explored administrators' and teachers' experiences with self-contained and departmentalized classrooms at the elementary level. Data…

The aim of this study is to explore how students' reports of proactive aggressiveness and mental health problems are associated with their perception of classroom interaction when controlling for socioeconomic status, gender and grade level. Classroom interaction is understood in terms of teachers' emotional support, monitoring and instructional…

Recent trends indicate a move away from self-contained classrooms and toward content-focused departmentalization in elementary schools. This study takes a snapshot of the existing organizational structures used in elementary schools in one district and explores administrators' beliefs and practices regarding this phenomenon. Our findings suggest…

Author says graded classrooms and graded textbooks based on them are the key stumbling blocks to progress in our whole educational system. (Author/JB)

Certain grouping arrangements in elementary and secondary schools appear to be instructionally effective for students, but the psychological drawbacks may offset any advantages. The relative benefits and disadvantages of within-class grouping and between-class grouping are discussed, along with the problems with ability grouping. (TE)

Discusses "The Social Context of Instruction," a summary of the existing knowledge of research methods on instructional grouping prepared by experts of various disciplines in order to share their perspectives on instructinal grouping and research methodologies. (EL)

This paper discusses grouping for instruction in teaching science. Suggestions include grouping students in science experiments and demonstrations, grouping by using videotapes and other audiovisual aids, flexible grouping, committee work, flexible discussion groups, minilessons, activity-centered teaching, modeling, individualized reading, and…

This literature review concerns the concept of alternative grade configurations at the elementary level, in which elementary schools are subdivided into primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) units. Because of the paucity of literature on this concept, the major part of the report focuses on the reorganization of the elementary schools of the South…

The purpose of this study was to analyze the verbal interactions of children assigned to multiage classrooms. Specifically, the study investigated whether children of a particular age group interact with other children across age groups and the types of interactions each age group display. It also investigated student-to-teacher interactions and…

Alternatives to the current system of graded classes and ability grouping are examined that would allow teachers to balance individual student needs with practical considerations in instructional delivery. In addition to reviewing the alternatives, the research that has examined these approaches is reviewed and synthesized. The three alternative…

In 1965, queries sent by the Educational Research Service (ERS) to 461 school systems identified only 63 middle schools concentrated in 20 systems. Only 13 of these 20 systems enrolled more than 12,000 pupils. When school systems of similar size were again polled at the opening of the 1968-69 school year, 70 systems reported 235 middle schools.…

Tables and graphs illustrate the information gathered in this survey on the teaching of German. Major attention is focused on the organization of classes from Level 1 through 6, including figures on teacher load, scheduling, student enrollment, instructional materials, and laboratory work. Results concerning textbook use and audiovisual aids are…

The New Designs for the Comprehensive High School project should provide for an organization of the school that is aligned with learner outcomes and learning process. Components of the organization must be aligned among themselves. High school models for organizing learners that meet student needs for connectedness and improved interpersonal…

Self-help education and self-help literature is important in the lives of African American adults, but the basic models of learning, development, and program planning in adult education have often been developed with little concern for the unique needs of African Americans. In addition, current theories of adult learning often lack understanding…