Twenty-eight learned helpless children (ages 9-13) assessed as reading below grade level were randomly assigned to one of four reinforcement and attribution retaining treatments. Indirect and direct attribution retaining increased childrens' reading persistence and their attribution of failure on the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility scale…

To investigate questions concerning relationships among students' cognitive processes, aptitudes, later achievement and attitudes, and direct instruction, fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=72) were randomly assigned to one of six classes using a factorial assignment of ability level crossed with attitude. The questions addressed were: (1) What…

This study observed 36 fourth-grade teachers and randomly targeted students in each class to see if teacher-student interaction patterns which facilitated low-level mathematics learning were the same as those which facilitated high-level learning for boys and girls. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Six classes of fifth- and sixth-grade students were taught a unit on probability. Following the lesson, students were interviewed about their thought processes. Students' reports of their understanding of the lesson and their use of specific cognitive strategies were related to achievement. (Author/BW)

Two teachers each taught a 2-week fractions unit to two classes of grades 4-5 students. Each teacher taught one class using direct instruction and the other using a small-group variation of direct instruction. Regression analysis on achievement showed significant aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) and significant teacher effects. (Author/RL)

This study examined student aptitudes and student behaviors during small group interactions as mediators of the effectiveness of small group learning. The hypotheses to be investigated were that the effects of small group learning on student achievement are produced by students' participation in group interaction, and in the providing and…

Classroom activities related to the mathematics achievement level of students in 36 fourth-grade mathematics classes were identified. Engagement in competitive mathematics activities, cooperative mathematics activities, social activities, and off-task behavior was consistently and differentially related to girls' versus boys' low-level and…

Two teachers taught a unit to two classes of students. High- and low-ability students did better in the small group approach, while medium ability students did better in the large group. Analyses of group processes indicated students benefited from peer tutoring processes which occurred in small groups. (Author/DWH)

This study of two fifth grade classes investigated students' reports of attention, understanding, cognitive processes and affect during a nine-day mathematics unit on measurement. These self-reports appeared more valid indicators of classroom learning than observed time on task. Student affect mediated the relationship between instructional…

Aptitude-treatment interactions in large- and small-group learning situations were investigated. Students who initially preferred small groups did worse in that approach than in the large-group approach. High- and low-ability students did better and had more positive attitudes in the small- and large-group approaches, respectively. (Author/RD)

This study attempted to replicate and extend previous aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) findings for students' learning in large-group and small-group teaching approaches. Two elementary teachers each taught a two-week geometry unit to two classes of fourth- and fifth-grade students. One teacher used a small-group teaching approach and the…