This article reviews the international literature about streaming and the effects of this practice on the learning outcomes for secondary school students in Australia. Streaming in secondary schools across Australia has again increased in popularity after more than a century of literature that often discourages the practice. This article discusses…

This report reviews over 200 pieces of research to identify the elements of teaching with the strongest evidence of improving attainment. It finds some common practices can be harmful to learning and have no grounding in research. Specific practices which are supported by good evidence of their effectiveness are also examined and six key factors…

This document presents a review of evidence commissioned by the Education Endowment Foundation to inform the guidance document "Improving Mathematics in Key Stages Two and Three" (Education Endowment Foundation, 2017). The review draws on a substantial parallel study by the same research team, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, which…

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the ways in which class size affected other facets of the educational environment of the classroom. The study focused on the commonly found positive relationship between class size and achievement. The most plausible explanation of the evidence seems to involve the effects of grouping more able…

Explains pros and cons of whole-group instruction and ability grouping, based on research evidence. Whole-group instruction is convenient for teaching the same skills or subject to a class, making assignments, administering tests, setting group expectations, and making announcements. Critics contend that whole-group instruction fails to meet…

The article discusses the concept of whole-group instruction. After noting criticism of whole-group instruction, the paper examines research on the effects of class size and academic achievement, classroom tasks, altering instructional variables, and ability grouping. Fifteen practical suggestions for teaching whole groups are included. (SM)

Provides a brief overview of the research on cooperative learning, and describes several classroom grouping techniques useful for all grade levels and subject areas. Discusses group retellings, associational dialogue, dyadic learning, needs grouping, the buddy system, cybernetic sessions, and research, interest, ability, tutorial, random social,…

A commentary precedes this reprint of a study that investigated the academic, psychological, and socialization effects of ability grouping on gifted learners. Conclusions drawn from 13 research syntheses supported sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted students. The commentary discusses the research findings and…

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

An overview is presented of results of process-product research into the relationship between teacher behavior and student achievement. Results of studies are summarized, focusing mainly on teacher behaviors in the areas of: (1) management of time; (2) structuring and presenting lessons; and (3) questioning techniques. Research results on…

Examines the literature on ability grouping and cooperative learning. Solid research evidence supports both. Ability grouping and cooperative learning should be used to address particular student needs. Selecting a variety of educational options to match the needs of each student would be the best way to serve all students. (SLD)

This review of the literature summarizes findings on instructional grouping issues and academic achievement of gifted elementary students. The review addresses problems of using standardized tests to evaluate instructional effectiveness of grouping arrangements, distinctions between providing the same curriculum and a differentiated curriculum to…

A commentary precedes this previously published essay that argues the excellence-equity debate requires policymakers to consider mainstreaming the gifted. It is noted in the commentary that McDaniel seems to have anticipated the current interest in push-in, as opposed to pull-out models for gifted education, and use of curriculum differentiation…

Alternatives to the current system of graded classes and ability grouping are examined that would allow teachers to balance individual student needs with practical considerations in instructional delivery. In addition to reviewing the alternatives, the research that has examined these approaches is reviewed and synthesized. The three alternative…

Psychomotor, or physical education skills, can be tested through the use of various measures which employ one or more sport-specific objective measures, such as norm- or criterion-referenced tests, or subjective measures, such as teacher ratings or student self-rating. Norm-referenced tests embody standards which are set relatively for the purpose…