Many methods have been developed for managing groups in active learning classes, but little research has been done on the effect of group structure itself. Results are presented for an active learning physics class in which half of the class was placed in academically homogeneous groups while the other half was in heterogeneous groups. Students…

This article presents a research study on the interactional styles of teacher educators in the English language teacher education classroom. Two research methodologies, ethnomethodological conversation analysis and self-evaluation of teacher talk were applied to analyze 34 content- and language-based classes of nine English language teacher…

This article examines which bodily performances indicate the significance of gender in the skills training of physiotherapy students. It is based on a qualitative study of first-year students' skills training in a Norwegian physiotherapy education programme. The study draws inspiration from Paechter's theory of the communities of masculinities and…

This action research study focused on how various grouping strategies influenced preservice teachers' differentiation of instruction. The participants included a third grade mentor teacher and three preservice teacher candidates. The candidate preparation curriculum consisted of seminars, daily field-based learning experiences, and ongoing…

A rationale is offered for the implementation of full-time programing for gifted students, arguing that scheduling less time does not maximize their potential. Florida programs for the gifted are noted, and suggestions are offered for school district officials who wish to implement similar full-time gifted programs. (JDD)

The literature review presented here was conducted to investigate various types of differentiation in programs for academically gifted elementary school students. For the purpose of the review, the term "academically gifted" refers to students with high general intellectual ability; no speciic level of intelligence is implied. Following…

This paper discusses the pros and cons of full-time, self-contained classes for gifted children; full-time schools and full-time classes; principles of differentiated curriculum; and research results on academic and social issues. The paper concludes that self-contained classes provide a differentiated program that better meets the needs of gifted…

There is a dichotomy of opinion regarding the merits and feasibility of ability grouping, and the issue is unsettled after much research and study. This research summary discusses grouping practices, the place of ability grouping in over-all school organization, schools' capacity for ability grouping, and the pros and cons of ability grouping,…

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

Explores whether intergenerational (IG) and homogeneous-age group strategies for intentional education in faith communities are mutually exclusive or complementary. Examines the validity of generational differentiation in educational processes, addresses two difficulties raised for IG programs, and discusses insights on developmental theory and IG…

Maintains that current research suggests that heterogeneous grouping is preferable. Reports on a study of a new mathematics curriculum using 600 students in 6 Dutch schools. Finds that students in heterogeneous classes taught with cooperative-learning techniques achieved more than students in traditional ability-grouped classrooms. (CFR)

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)

As the incidence of ability grouping at the primary level increases in the United Kingdom, questions remain regarding the effect of various grouping arrangements on students' personal and social development and the role of the school ethos in adopting particular ability grouping structures. This research explored the rationale given by primary…

Maintains that ability-group tracking focuses on two issues: (1) whether tracking is more effective in promoting student learning; and (2) whether all students benefit from tracking to the same degree. Concludes that tracking, as currently practiced, tends to be both inequitable and, at least for some students, ineffective. (CFR)

A commentary precedes this previously published article that presents different perspectives on the inclusion of gifted students in the heterogeneously grouped classroom. A professor advocates homogeneous ability grouping, a teacher explains how inclusion can be impractical, and a parent describes the benefits of appropriate placement. (Contains 3…