The knowledge base regarding use of instructional grouping in the classroom includes findings from research on effective schools, effective teaching, student academic achievement, student perceptions of self and others, student motivation, student attitudes toward school, and student friendships and interactions in the classroom and school. A…

Research does not support the popular practice of homogeneous ability grouping. Students are placed in groups through diverse and questionable methods. Teachers usually instruct lower ability groups at a low cognitive level and expect little of students in these groups; poor attitudes and achievement often result. (PP)

This article reviews the literature on grouping and argues for flexible grouping of students according to ability and achievement levels and maintains that grouping gifted students heterogeneously and providing cooperative learning leads to lowered achievement and motivation and poorer attitudes toward school for gifted students. (DB)

This article discusses the value of students' perspectives on learning and learning differences, and shares the perspectives of high school students in a 7-year study. Students' responses fell into three categories: traditional definitions of learning and difference, tensions within the traditional definitions, and the belief that the world isn't…