Reviews the literature and identifies and explores five characteristics shown to exist in both the adventure-based learning environment and effective traditional classroom settings. Discusses small learning group size, cooperative learning environments, communication of high expectations for students, building on student success, creating a…

Suggests organizing one or more vocational home economics classes by the entrepreneur system to operate the class as a nonprofit business. Lists activities for planning and implementing the operation, benefits for the students, and ideas to develop skills in professional sewing, food service production, and occupational homemaking. (MF)

Observed six children from two primary grade classrooms in different instructional settings: teacher-directed/large group; teacher- and child-directed/large and small group; and child-directed. Children's choice was related to high levels of cognitive functioning, language production, cooperative behavior, and generative use of materials. (MM)

Discusses the use of time and space in primary classrooms, referring to what is known about how young children learn best. Discusses four steps to organizing the classroom. (BB)

Describes a study which explored the effects of a program to help low-achieving fourth and fifth grade students increase their mathematics achievement. Students and teachers organized into a community of learners; the curriculum, organized around units of study with major concepts, skills, and operations, was effective for all achievers. (SM)

A Scottish council commissioned a study to inform development of policy concerning ability grouping, timetabling, and other practices related to the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Although the researchers became aware that the council expected a report supportive of their policies, the data supported the view that the key to…

A whole-class model providing for student diversity through remediation and enrichment in small groups was compared with a two-group model accommodating diversity through fixed within-class ability groups. Higher mathematics achievement was found for the whole-class model in a study of 1,736 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. (SLD)

Suggests that with a modified staffing plan using teacher interns, peer teachers, and community volunteers, better coverage of teaching needs could be provided with less salary cost. Presents proposals for a teacher staffing pattern, salary schedule, and a possible daily schedule implementing the suggested staffing pattern. (MM)

A case study describes implementation of holistic changes at Jubilee Junior High School in Edson, Alberta (Canada). Changes included "large-group" instruction by a team of teachers; outcome-based assessment, including portfolios; integrated curriculum; and replacement of the school's hierarchical administration with a leadership team of…

Analyzes the social knowledge, or "practical ideologies" implicitly transmitted by classroom procedures and ways of formulating course content in two contrasting high school history classes. Discusses the attitudes and behavior of "conformist" and "nonconformist" students in terms of socioeconomic class. (MCG)

Examined special education effectiveness for students with mild disabilities in six California grade schools. Found that no single feature, structure, or organization of school environment consistently indicated a school's relative standing or its relative effectiveness based on student performance. Findings posed implications for educational…

Summarizes reviews of research reports on classroom practice in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning." Examines textbooks, instructional grouping, teaching methods, and computer-assisted instruction (especially games and simulations), and civic education through student participation in community programs.…

Examines one school's implementation of Basic School approach, characterized by connections among curricular areas, classroom and resources, the school, community, and parents. Describes classroom strategies, including mixed-age classes, two-year classes, and peer helpers. Describes community connections, National Guard mentors, running community…

Examines an intervention study of 23 students in an elementary teacher education program to determine the effects of three nontraditional mathematics courses on the teacher candidates' conceptual understanding of mathematics and the learning of mathematics. Results indicate that the intervention produced significant changes in prospective…

Examines the similarities between high-quality, fully implemented Montessori programs and other developmentally appropriate programs for young children. Focuses on the Montessori philosophy, human relations within the learning environment, the curriculum, areas of the Montessori classroom, relations between home and program, and the developmental…