ERIC Number: EJ828197
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Feb
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0300-4279
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Discourse in a Small Class: The "Diverge-Converge Pattern" and "Relaxed Freedom"
Englehart, Joshua M.
Education 3-13, v35 n1 p83-97 Feb 2007
In an attempt to uncover differences in student behavior as a function of class size, the author observed a small class and a large class for 15 hours each and conducted interviews with eight students who were members of both classes. Two trends emerged from these qualitative data. First, a "diverge-converge" pattern was evident in the small class (absent from the large class) in which students were much more able to get back on task after becoming off-task or off-topic. Second, the atmosphere in the smaller class was more relaxed and had a very conversational tone. (Contains 1 note.)
Descriptors: Class Size, Student Behavior, Academic Achievement, Interviews, Classroom Observation Techniques, Classroom Techniques, Classroom Environment, Participant Satisfaction, Classroom Communication, Classroom Research, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A