The extent of variety in structure and format of teaching mathematics in fifth grade classrooms and its relation to student attention was studied. The data for this study consisted of observations made in eighteen math classes for a period of six to ten days with a mean of over eight days. Seatwork and recitation accounted for over 95 percent of…

This report presents an overview of the history of the Junior High Classroom Organization Study, designed to answer questions concerning effective instruction in junior high school English and mathematics classes. Nineteen trained observers were sent to 52 classrooms in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District. Observers kept written records…

This book is the result of a study conducted with 200 high schools in the South to determine what factors make schools effective in educating students and creating a healthy social environment. The book is particularly concerned with improving desegregated high schools and presents specific recommendations for doing so. Using survey data from…

The intent of this theoretical paper is to recast our ideas about teaching mathematics as a result of an extensive research review on teaching behaviors. The product of this review is an explanatory curricular model which takes into account the content being taught. The purpose of studying teaching from a curricular perspective and the constructs…

Data from 136 junior high school classes were analyzed to investigate how student behavior, student achievement, and teacher behavior all related to student ability levels in class composition. Both higher ability students and lower ability students achieved better in higher ability classes. Class composition had more impact on lower ability…

This action research study was designed to improve the academic performance of students with special needs in two elementary school classrooms in a parochial school setting. Cooperative learning and curriculum modifications were selected as interventions. Cooperative groups were formed which emphasized teamwork and communication with assigned…

Data from 31 middle school teachers were categorized through the use of qualitative research to determine what teachers perceive to be the advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping as well as alternative grouping practices. Found that most teachers were knowledgeable about ability grouping through experience or professional development;…

The present study drew on existing theories and research to further uncover the mysteries of the college teaching/learning paradigm, particularly the causal links between effective instruction and student learning of novel lecture material. The experimental design involved 380 introductory psychology students and consisted of a Lecture…

The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

A variety of methods can be used for instructing classes having highly heterogeneous students, including individualization of instruction, homogeneous grouping, team teaching, and modifying whole-class instruction. Through classroom observations and teacher interviews, the prevalence of such methods in 32 second- and third-grade classrooms were…

An examination of any school curriculum would reveal the existence of "basic" subjects such as reading, writing, and computation. Therefore a "return to basics" is not needed but rather a change in methodology in teaching these subjects. The following methodological changes are suggested: (1) Test each child to ascertain the level of achievement…

Findings from several research projects on the use of computer technology are reported which point to patterns of difference between boys and girls in education settings. Argues that sex differences emerge in relation to functions computers serve and organization of learning settings. (Author/SA)

This study investigated the effects of grouping patterns in a cooperative learning environment on the mathematics achievement of two high school geometry classes. Heterogeneous, homogenous, random, mixed gender and single gender grouping patterns were coordinated with six similar geometry topics and students were grouped accordingly for a period…

A study was conducted at Bunker Hill Community College to assess the impact of the use of learning groups on student absenteeism and academic performance. The study involved four sections of a Biology 1 class. Two sections were designated as the control group and were taught using the traditional course format, which involved a 2-hour session in…

This paper presents a study of the organization of 60 junior school classrooms in Great Britain. The study was conducted to examine changes occurring as a result of the move towards comprehensive secondary education in Britain and as a result of the recommendations of the Plowden Committee for more individualized instruction at the primary level.…