In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues teachers face in a multigrade setting, and provides a set of resource guides for multigrade teachers. Book 5 emphasizes that instructional quality and student grouping are key components for success in the multigrade classroom. Sections cover commonly used teaching methods (lecture-recitation and discussion); the Practice Model of Instruction--a direct-instruction method--and related elements of the learning environment; aspects of effective lesson planning and instruction; independent study and individualized instruction; using computers and the Internet in the elementary classroom; grouping as an instructional strategy (mixed-ability groups, planning whole-class instruction, grouping strategies based on ability, and research on ability grouping); case examples of grouping in two schools with multigraded classes; characteristics of a collaborative classroom and teacher and student roles in such classrooms; challenges in moving from traditional to collaborative instruction (discipline, time needs, individual differences among students, values conflicts); the research base for collaborative learning; and guidelines for planning groupwork. (Contains 48 references and 15 resources.) (SV)