Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)

Uses the case of a boy named Franklin, making the transition between free play and a group activity, to illustrate conflict between teachers' respect for individual play and scheduled group activities. Discusses various issues, including differing perceptions of time, closure, and independence; using learning-environment organization for…

This study found that behaviorally disordered adolescents (n=183) in six special schools perceived lower order and organization and higher teacher control than did normal students in traditional classes. Student satisfaction with school was related to greater levels of perceived involvement, affiliation, and teacher support for the special…

Describes a teacher's experiences in a multigrade intermediate grade mountain schoolhouse. Notes that teaching difficulties were overcome by (1) organizing time and contracting with students; (2) learning from students about what to teach; and (3) using language that invites and includes students. Explains how these techniques aid reading and…

Presents two alternatives to ability grouping--flexible grouping (based on students' level of independence as learners), and cooperative learning groups. Discusses the benefits of cooperative learning, and provides a sample cooperative learning lesson. (MM)

Meta-analytic reviews have shown that gifted students gain little from programs of minimal instructional modification (multilevel classes), more from greater modifications (cross-grade and within-class programs) and the most from those involving the greatest amount of curricular adjustment (enrichment and acceleration). (Author/DB)

Reviews literature on classroom environment from 1980 onward. Emphasizes elementary settings and students with behavioral deficits. Discusses structure and organization of classrooms, the cognitive process, student and teacher characteristics, and student outcomes. Concludes that research has shifted from cognitive outcomes in the classroom to…

Challenges Montessori instructors and advocates to address the complex issues of staffing, scheduling, and maintaining a consistency of approach with respect to all-day Montessori instruction. (HTH)

Describes a bilingual program where bilingual students and students taught in English are integrated socially and academically. The program fosters strong bonds between monolingual and bilingual students and teachers, acceptance of individuals regardless of ethnicity, development of English without loss of the native language, and better ties with…

People know that coaching for verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests can improve scores, although gains can be modest. Nevertheless, scores on retaking such tests can remain stable or even decrease following coaching. People do not know if such findings apply to coaching for tests of attainment. However, research into formative assessment shows…

Examines the effects of class size on student achievement in classrooms in which teachers use whole class instruction and those in which students are in ability groups. Results suggest that classroom pedagogical practices mediate the affect of class size on learning. (SA)

Presents two basic parallel block elementary school schedules (schedules in which a block of time is scheduled for essential and/or desired small skill groups parallel to large instructional activities). Contends that parallel block scheduling in elementary schools can lead to improved instructional programs for low achievers. (GC)

Investigated classroom management practices in 26 classes taught by 13 junior high and middle/junior high school teachers using student-on-task, off-task, and disruptive student behaviors as primary criteria of management effectiveness. Effective management practices for general classroom procedures, laboratory procedures, managing student…

Describes a pilot "work required" assessment procedure in a high school English class. Shows how the skills of classroom negotiation work when students plan and manage instruction. Discusses learning to negotiate, the advantages of the program, trials and errors, the change in classroom climate, and negotiating reading. (EL)

Data collected from students in grades four, seven, and nine indicated that student motivation, teacher quality, and social-psychological and management-organization variables were most consistently related to social studies attitudes for each grade level and gender. (Author/RM)