Data from 136 junior high school classes were analyzed to investigate how student behavior, student achievement, and teacher behavior all related to student ability levels in class composition. Both higher ability students and lower ability students achieved better in higher ability classes. Class composition had more impact on lower ability…

This study investigated differences in productivity and student preference between cooperative groups formed in the classroom based on either learning objectives or students' personal and social interests. Participants were kindergarten students (10 African American, 5 Caucasian--6 girls, 11 boys) in an inner city class. The students' personal…

The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

Long exposure to French, verbal ability in one's native tongue, general intelligence, and ability grouping were correlated with competence in French as a foreign language. The Swedish policy of mixing beginning French students who vary in ability and motivation was questioned. (CP)

This study investigated the verbal interactions of fifth grade students within groups when using simulation and word processing software. Students were grouped according to ability, and conversations were analyzed, which found the largest proportion of student talk was cognitively oriented, predominantly in directing and reporting language; group…

Reviews research that deals with group work in the field of educational computing. Topics discussed include sex differences; the influence of ability on group interaction; social class; group size; the internal dynamics of group work; achievement; the acquisition of programing skills; metacognition; and social-affective objectives. (25 references)…

Examines latent mean differences in the results of a number of self-concept measures of low and high track suburban Canadian high school students. Suggests that low track students may compensate for their negative academic experiences by emphasizing social popularity. (FMW)

Suggests that differential performances of students in schools may be attributable to teachers' altered communication and teaching strategies in response to perceived student abilities. Investigates the nature of such adaptations, finding that lesson structure changed in low-ranked classes, diminishing students' possibility of attaining the stated…

Two aspects of age segregation in American educational history are traced--segregation of children from adults due to expansion of public education in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and increasing stratification of children by age within schools due to the practice of age-grading. (IAH)

Steps required for developing a successful project class are described, beginning with an examination of how to use student writing projects with lower proficiency learners. A discussion of how projects can best be used as teaching and evaluation instruments in higher level classes is followed by examples of specific projects and styles. (Contains…

Data from 31 middle school teachers were categorized through the use of qualitative research to determine what teachers perceive to be the advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping as well as alternative grouping practices. Found that most teachers were knowledgeable about ability grouping through experience or professional development;…

Responds to Maureen Hallinan's review of research and recommendations regarding grouping students for instructional purposes. Contends that ability grouping is much more than an administrative practice. Concludes that the school's normative, social, and political climate should be the object of reform. (CFR)

Ability grouping can impact students' self-esteem and cause segregation. Suggestions for using ability grouping beneficially include reassessing grouping assignments frequently, varying instructional levels and pace, assigning groups based on demonstrated needs and abilities, grouping students for only one or two subjects, and using ability groups…

Describes a study of undergraduates that was conducted to determine the impact of advance organizers on students' achievement in computer-assisted video instruction (CAVI). Treatments of the experimental and control groups are explained, and results indicate that advance organizers do not facilitate near-transfer of rule-learning in CAVI.…

Describes research that advocates flexible grouping patterns, based upon student needs, to increase instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Appropriate grouping in the classroom and in elementary school library resource centers is stressed, and benefits of cooperative learning as compared to competitive learning and individual…