This essay briefly describes some of the early AERA presidents who were empiricists, several of them directors of research, and how their work connects with some of the issues of design, measurement, analysis, and interpretation today. Beginning with the first president of AERA, a number of presidents through the late 1940s are highlighted, as…

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…

To determine the nature of common professional education competencies of community college vocational teachers, 160 teachers from four western states and from program areas of agriculture, health, home economics, and service occupations were administered a professional education competency questionnaire. Analysis of data revealed that there was no…

Two explanations for the effect of ability groups on student achievement are discussed. One stresses the importance of peer groups, the other differential instruction. Little evidence was found that achievement differentials in elementary school grouping systems arise from either peer influence or from differential instruction. (Author/IS)

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 study tested two hypotheses aimed at explaining the "self-fulfilling prophesy" that results when students are divided into ability group systems. The differential instruction hypothesis explains achievement differentials produced by grouping systems in terms of the differential instruction received by students. The peer differentials…

Many education reformers criticize the mediocre state of learning in high schools in the United States. In order to insure that all students have equal access to high quality teaching, it is argued that educators must explore the potent connections among school setting, ability grouping, teaching methods, and student opportunity to learn. The…

Embedded in the contemporary issue of gifted education is the contentious notion of ability grouping. The debate surrounding appropriate educational provision for gifted students continues to argue the cognitive and affective influences of ability grouping on gifted students. While recognising the various forms of intellectual giftedness, analysis…

The persistent underrepresentation of women and people of color in science and mathematics education and careers remains a challenge to all who champion the commitment of equity and excellence in education. This is the first publication in a series produced by the Science and Mathematics Education unit at the Northwest Regional Educational…

This collection of essays is intended to give a broad view of what is currently known about the management of classrooms. Contents include "Conceptualizing Classroom Management" by Mauritz Johnson and Harry Brooks; "Making Managerial Decisions in Classrooms" by Walter Doyle; "Authority and the Management of Classroom…

This paper addresses issues in the relationship of instructional grouping to both educational excellence and equity. First, equity issues are considered in light of two court cases: Hobson v. Hansen and Marshall v. Georgia which, together, offer guidelines for equitable ability grouping. Next, the research on the effects of grouping arrangements…

This volume provides recent research findings on important topics related to the still-expanding middle school movement. They are divided into seven parts, addressing teaching/learning, curriculum, teacher education, social context, organization, leaderships, and issues and future directions. Following an introduction to middle level education…

This document presents the proceedings of an annual educational research forum held at Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) on December 10, 2003. A table of contents and 31 research studies of high school teaching are included. The following studies are included: (1) No, Seriously: Humor Use by High School Social Studies Teachers…