This bulletin provides a context for and an overview of cooperative learning addressing concerns and answering questions teachers, supervisors, and parents may have about this group approach to teaching and learning in the social studies. The intention was to help social studies educators construct a sound conceptual foundation for cooperative…

This report reviews research on the effects of between- and within-class ability grouping on the achievement of elementary school students. The review technique, known as "best-evidence synthesis," combines features of meta-analytic and narrative reviews. Overall, evidence does not support assignment of students to self-contained classes…

A study investigated whether significant differences existed in reading achievement and self-concept among samples of above grade level readers, developmental readers, and below grade level readers. Forty children in two heterogeneously grouped fourth grade classes in a private school completed measures of reading achievement and self-concept. The…

A study examined the effectiveness of a pilot literature-based reading program. Subjects, sixth grade students at Galveston Elementary School, were grouped into high, middle, and low ability groups containing 20, 25, and 13 students respectively. Reading instruction was provided during 45-minute class periods 5 times each week. Instruction…

Self-concept and the variables that affect self-concept levels in children have been investigated by many researchers. The area of self-concept enhancing activities is a recent concern and research in the field is limited. A study was conducted to determine if self-concept enhancing activities would have an effect on the self-concept levels of…

To summarize knowledge on the effects of grouping and tracking in secondary schools, this synthesis uses ethnographic research to interpret the findings of survey analyses, and uses survey studies to assess the causal implications and degree to which ethnographic findings can be generalized. Survey studies consistently report that academic-track…

A degree of controversy and debate exists about the best educational experiences to fulfil the potential of gifted students. Special class placement can give good educational experiences and opportunities for gifted students. However, Marsh and Parker (1984) described the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) where equally able students have lower…

Described is a method of teaching mathematics to mixed ability classes. The presentation of topics, the organization within the classroom and the difficulties met by teachers are discussed. The problems of homework and assessment are also considered. The teacher's role is compared with that in a streamed situation. (JP)

Nine-year-old remedial summer school students were tested for conformity with a modified Asch procedure. Subjects conformed more to simulated camp peers who had made good grades than to simulated remedial summer-school peers. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of ability grouping and adjustment of remidial students. (ST)

Within aptitude areas (Mechanical, Administrative, General, or Electronic) in the Air Force, some technical schools require higher levels of aptitude for admission than do others (for example, there are G10 schools, G60 schools, and G80 schools based on General test scores in th 10th, 60th, and 80th percentiles respectively). The schools, however,…

Mastery learning is an optimistic theory of human learning that proposes that all learners can achieve mastery of the school's curricular content. Since it demands long range planning and precise designing of learning programs, this method cannot be employed without a great deal of thought and preparation. The forerunners of mastery learning go…

THE TWINSBURG ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE PROJECT (1) PROVIDED STUDENTS WITH AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO LEARNING, (2) PROVIDED IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR THE FACULTY, (3) PLOTTED STUDENT PROGRESS BY USE OF THE IOWA TEST OF BASIC SKILLS (ITBS), AND (4) HELPED TEACHERS BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE CLASSROOM. STUDENTS WERE PLACED IN HOMOGENEOUS ABILITY GROUPS…

THE TEACHER'S GUIDE PROVIDES SUGGESTIONS FOR INTRODUCING EACH OF THE 100 LESSONS IN OPERATION ALPHABET 1, A WORKBOOK TO HELP ADULTS LEARN TO READ AND WRITE. IT LISTS MATERIALS NEEDED, AND OUTLINES THE PRESENTATION AND WRITING PRACTICE. AN INTRODUCTORY SECTION COVERS ABILITY GROUPING WITHIN A CLASS, READING RATES, AND GUIDEPOSTS TO GOOD TEACHING OF…