The grading patterns of teachers at Georgia State University were examined to ascertain the relationship between course discipline fields and grading patterns controlling for teachers' academic and personal attributes. The data base consisted of over 2,000 courses comprising more than 40,000 grades and 1,000 teachers from fall 1975. A methodology…

An investigation of how well the predictor variables of credit hours, student credit hours, contact hours, student contact hours, level of instruction, and academic rank correlate with faculty self-report measures of time-use for each class taught showed that only contact hours were a reliable measure of faculty effort as measured in time for a…

Performance on high and low level objective test items were compared for two groups of business writing students. Students in individualized classes with one teacher for 50 students did as well on high level tasks as did students in traditional classes with one teacher for 25 students. (Author/GDC)

This study looked at several underlying curriculum variables influencing the course of study as it is implemented in the inner city and determined whether differences exist between the schools serving the black and immigrant communities. (Author/AM)

The article discusses the cost-effective use of faculty and facilities in associate degree nursing programs, as a large number of programs with small classes is uneconomical. Appraisal of admissions to reach an enrollment level sufficient to justify program cost is suggested. (MF)

Described are four studies: three investigate how context affects classroom processes, and one studies the effects of training supervising teachers in the same skills needed by student teachers. (GW)

Based on a microeconometric examination of Philadelphia school district data, analyzes the impact on student achievement of pupil-specific variation in students' genetic endowment and socioeconomic status, teacher quality, nonteacher school quality, and peer group characteristics. Single copies may be purchased from Secretary, C. Elton Hinshaw,…

The effects of naturally-occuring within-group variations in social density were assessed via observations of children in an extremely crowded township nursery in South Africa. The nursery class consisted of 83 children who ranged in age from 32 to 64 months. Levels of crowding at home appeared to exert only a small effect on sensitivity to…

Keys to success in the large class are related to (1) adequate preparation before the course begins and (2) being aware of the pulse of the class throughout the semester. Potential problems are identified and suggestions to make large classes function well are offered. (MLW)

Presents research comparing the cost-effectiveness of four educational interventions (computer-assisted instruction, cross-age tutoring, reduced class size, and longer school day) designed to raise elementary student achievement. Results show that computer-assisted instruction was less cost effective than peer tutoring. Includes three tables…

Effects of course characteristics on student ratings in a variety of instructional situations were examined. Data were collected from 1,777 classes in five departments at all levels of instruction over three years. Overall results confirmed generally accepted trends, but in some departments at particular levels of instruction, relationships varied…

This survey examined class size, teaching methods, and the one-semester/two-semester organization of the introductory economics course. Student satisfaction with respect to their institution was also studied. (Author/RM)

Increases in the school-age population, maximum class size requirements in various states and the No Child Left Behind Act's mandate of a "highly qualified teacher" in every classroom collectively will increase the demand for teachers. However, public school teachers are exiting the profession in large numbers. This poses a serious…

This collection of papers debates the merits of smaller class sizes and research methods used to evaluate the efficacy of this education reform measure. Four chapters focus on (1) "Understanding the Magnitude and Effect of Class Size on Student Achievement" (Alan B. Krueger), which discusses expenditures per student and economic criterion; (2)…

This digest in Spanish examines school districts' efforts to reap the greatest benefit from smaller classes. Although the report discusses teaching strategies that are most effective in small classes, research has shown that teachers do not significantly change their teaching practices when they move from larger to smaller classes. Although…