A discussion of practices associated with successful schooling of students in heterogeneous groupings looks at outcomes-based instructional models, instructional models using peer power, effective use of heterogeneous and multi-age grouping, strategies for redefining school organizational structure, and teacher training content. (MSE)

A teacher describes a Foxfire project in which learning-disabled seven year olds made and sold Christmas cards to help the homeless. Outcomes included improved writing skills, understanding of money and math applications for the elementary students, and positive teaching experiences for high school computer students who assisted. (SV)

Presents the reflections of two ninth-grade students as they developed and implemented writing workshops for grade 2 and 3 classrooms. Notes that most of the mini-lessons worked, but some were not as successful. Notes the amazement of the authors regarding the positive relationships with teachers, students, and administrators that came out of the…

Each month, "Curriculum Review" offers teachers mutual support, the sharing of ideas, and words of encouragement to help them face challenges in the classroom. The October 2004 issue of "Curriculum Review" contains the following articles: (1) "We Hear from Readers"; (2) "What They're Saying"; (3) "Technology Update"; (4) "Consider Drafting Younger…

This study examined the impact on high school students who taught elementary students MADD's Protecting You/Protecting Me (PY/PM), an alcohol use prevention and vehicle safety program. High school students (N = 188) enrolled in a peer helping course completed surveys before and after teaching PY/PM, and a comparison group of peer helper students…

Tutoring has long been recognized as superior to group instruction, especially for students with special needs. Tutors can adapt instruction to the learner's pace, learning style and level of understanding. Feedback and correction are immediate. Basic misunderstandings can be quickly identified and corrected. Tutoring also has emotional benefits:…

An elementary school program in which older children teach English literacy skills to younger children is described. The Literacy Club program, a regular class activity, matches older students whose native language is other than English (Rapid Readers) with younger students with the same native language (Little Readers) and involves the Rapid…

A practicum aimed to develop the positive reading attitudes of six at-risk thrid-graders. Regular teacher-student sessions were devoted to reading aloud. Practicum participants were assigned mentors. Mentors and mentees met twice during the 12-week implementation cycle. The targted group of third-graders served as tutors for a group of…

This project was designed to develop a combinational strategy using microcomputers and cross-aged instruction designed to: (1) increase the achievement of low-achieving sixth-grade students; (2) increase enrollment in high school mathematics and science courses; (3) evaluate microcomputers as a unique instructional tool; and (4) develop effective…

A survey was conducted to identify college-sponsored programs that involved undergraduate or graduate college students working with preschool, elementary, or secondary school students either as tutors or mentors. Such programs were found in 29% of all two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Of 3,212 total institutions, 921 sponsored at…

A practicum addressing (1) elementary school students' need to increase their sight vocabulary, (2) their needs for self-esteem, (3) their individual learning differences, and (4) the practical difficulties of providing additional practice time and personnel to teach is described in this guide. The introduction of the guide discusses the community…

This study explores and evaluates the explanations for apparent exception to the family size rule that IQ and family size are inversely related. Three large-scale studies were consistent in placing only children lower than firstborns from two-, three-, and four-child families, and at about the same level as firstborns from a five-child family. The…

A program of aiding sixth grade adolescent development by using high school student leaders to interact with them is described. The development of the program, screening procedures for peer leaders, training outline for leadership and communication skills, and evaluations are presented. Tables of peer interaction evaluation, staff evaluation…

Recent research into the relationship between cultural background and cognitive style has suggested that Mexican-American children typically display a "field-dependent" style as opposed to the "field-independent" style usually exhibited by Anglo children. Teachers of Mexican-American children should consider this difference in developing their…

Group classes with 30-40 children per teacher favor the children who catch on fast. These children participate more in class and give more feedback to the teacher, so the teacher gears instruction to them and goes too fast for students who are having difficulty. Peer and cross-age tutoring, can supplement class learning and help the below-average…