Two studies explored the experience and performance of students at Williams College in three-person groups that were homogeneous or heterogeneous in rated academic ability. In accord with hypotheses from Festinger's (1954) social comparison theory, students in academically homogeneous groups had more positive experiences and performed better on…

Attitudes of gifted students placed in homogeneous classes were compared to students not identified as gifted in regular heterogeneous classes. Student perceptions of themselves as learners, student perceptions of teachers' behaviors and expectations, and academic achievement were assessed for 105 students in grades 5 and 8. (SW)