Reviews benefits of smaller class size based on research in elementary and middle schools such as higher student achievement. Concludes that high school students can also benefit from smaller classes. Calls for rigorous class-size research at the high school level. (Contains 41 references.) (PKP)

Studied connections between class size and teaching interactions using a multimethod approach and data from a longitudinal study of more than 10,000 children and their teachers over 3 years. Results show, overall, that in smaller classes, there is more individualized teacher support for learning. Interprets results in the context of teacher time…

Path analysis of data from 2,002 pupils and 99 teachers in Norwegian primary schools revealed the direct impact of class social structure on bullying. The joint impact of classroom management and social structure on bullying was substantial. No impact on bullying was found for class size or family variables. (Contains 41 references.) (SK)

Describes a process for circumventing concerns that a large college lecture class would be impersonal, intimidating, and counterproductive by linking together two related courses on human relationships and sexuality and designing assignments that stimulate a high level of student achievement. Course has been evaluated positively by students.…

Although the Department of Education declared that smaller classes don't really make for better education, one teacher discusses how common-sense experience keeps getting in the way of the Department's "higher truth." Experiences with "off-track" senior English students in a class of 12 are described. (MLW)

In fall 1993, a Colorado high school scrapped its traditional semester calendar for a trimester schedule. The school year now has 3 12-week grading periods corresponding to the seasons; the school day has 5 class periods of 70 minutes each. The result: fewer and longer classes, impressively reduced class sizes, more flexibility, and improved…

Describes a study conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges to investigate the liberal arts credit offerings of 164 community colleges nationwide. Considers the make-up of the college curriculum, trends in course level (remedial, standard, or advanced), average class size, and total enrollments. (DMM)

Uses an analysis of small- and large-class differences as a framework for planning for and teaching a large class. Analyzes the process of developing and offering an organizational behavior class to 141 college students. Suggests ways to improve teaching effectiveness by minimizing psychological and physical distances, redistributing resources,…

Tighter budgets faced by many higher education institutions have a variety of results, including larger classes, loss of faculty expertise through early retirement and nonreplacement, severely limited supplies and services, reduced faculty professional travel and memberships, and unrepaired equipment. Some faculty have begun fund-raising efforts.…

The Lancaster-Leeds Language Learning in Large Classes Research Project in United Kingdom is examined to focus attention on its importance as a major research effort. Some major flaws in the project are described. (10 references) (Author/LB)

Caseloads of teachers of students with serious emotional disturbances/behavior disorders were examined to compare current service delivery across states. Caseloads ranged from 3 to 35 students per teacher. Evaluation of hypothetical relations between caseload and predicted student achievement showed that predicted achievement decreased as caseload…

The challenges facing language teachers with large classes are discussed from an Australian perspective, including absentee learners and field coverage. Some blackboard and student performance techniques are identified along with possibilities of group work and individual work. (Contains five references.) (LB)

Six suggestions for individualizing instruction include: (1) grouping kids for instructional needs; (2) reducing class size; (3) providing additional resources; (4) increasing the amount of instructional time; (5) utilizing support personnel; and (6) preparing personnel with skills needed for individualization. (DB)

Describes several prominent early grades small-class-size projects and their effects on student achievement: Indiana's Project Prime Time, Tennessee's Project STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio), Wisconsin's SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education) Program, and the California class-size-reduction program. Lists several conclusions,…

Describes three different teaching models that have used content-based instruction and group work successfully. Suggests that the teachers' skill in classroom management is the primary ingredient for success with group work in large classes. (Author/VWL)