Attitudes towards "setting," a form of student grouping by ability, were studied in four Scottish primary schools. A slight majority of students and a slight minority of teachers preferred set classes. Positive aspects of sets included smaller classes and independent learning in lower-ability sets, and positive class atmospheres.…

Students who actively participate in the learning process learn more than those who do not. "Involvement matters," as Tinto (1997) points out, and this involvement can occur both inside and outside the classroom. The importance of students' active involvement in learning is by now well documented and known. Active involvement in class facilitates…

Five articles describe effective ideas and techniques suggested by correctional educators. In "Warming Up: Mental Exercises for Successful Learning" (Louise Henick), warm-up exercises to help students get ready to learn are discussed, such as daily journals, word of the day, and quote of the day. "Keeping Students Posted" (Richard Johnson) shows…

Discusses some of the principles of classroom management and discipline that can be used in the classroom. Includes avoiding distracting verbal exchanges, a management system, the use of verbal reprimand, room arrangements and isolation. Concludes that planning and attention to classroom management are worth the effort. (CW)

Employs data from 94 elementary schools to examine the prevalence and effects of resegregation. Reports that (1) positive attitudes toward integration influence teachers' selection of grouping practices that promote student interaction; and (2) less resegregative classroom structures are more advantageous for Black students' achievement. (KH)

Supports B. Plowden and David Elkind's rationale for developmental early childhood education that considers children's unique learning modes. Describes four program elements: opportunities for developmental tasks, teachers' knowledge of children's development, concrete learning experiences, and appropriate setting. Discusses curriculum…

Study results indicate that positive social interactions between nonhandicapped and handicapped students in the integrated music classroom, with increases in nonhandicapped students' acceptance of handicapped students, are not a result of music classroom experiences and music instruction alone, but also of the degree to which teaching conditions…

Provides specific guidance to teachers planning activity areas and storage spaces to create an environment that supports children and how they learn. Areas of consideration include order, independence, comfort, materials, and boundaries. Hints for discovering unused space, including small and large storage projects, are provided. (SD)

Examined final-year undergraduate responses to innovations to determine whether positive learning outcomes in large classes are possible by increasing the range of work in which students are involved. Straightforward adjustments to approach and style produced both positive learning outcomes and an increase in transferable skills. (RJM)

Examines gender differences in computer use, citing male- oriented software as a possible reason girls are turned off, and highlights traditionally feminine and gender-neutral games. Describes ways of encouraging females: all-female computer and math classes, pairing students, mentoring, integrating technology into content areas, early…

Finds that, in 50 primary classrooms with a majority of Native American students, the language development of Native American students was enhanced by open and informal classroom organization, small group activity, flexible time parameters, student autonomy, a positive teacher-student relationship, cooperative learning, and use of culturally…

Investigates the relationship between school environment and science classroom environment in secondary schools. Reports that the characteristics of the school environment are not transmitted automatically into the science classroom. Concludes that the effect the school-level environment has on student learning is mediated by classroom process…

Outlines the views of three scholars on cooperative learning: cooperation in content areas (team-assisted individualization and cooperative integrated reading and composition); grading techniques (e.g., individual score plus group bonus points, group scores, and scoring only one member's paper); and structuring social interaction (round robin,…

Studied connections between parent involvement programs, teachers' attitudes, and teachers' practices in inner-city elementary and middle schools. Examined patterns according to academic subject, classroom organization, and level of support for parent involvement. Found that each variable has implications for the strengths of school programs and…

Examines how teachers allocate instructional time in reading classes. Indicates that teachers used 34% of time in reading and responding; 24.89% in listening and discussing; 8.36% waiting; 20.28% completing skill development; 7.52% in telling, writing, and narrating; 3.47% in other activities. Notes that the recommendation that time spent reading…