This is a report of a study designed to discover the nature of interactions between teachers and students in regular-size classes (25 or more students) and small-size classes (fewer than 18 students). It also describes the efforts of one public school to maintain smaller classes. A review of the literature and observations of 11 primary classrooms…

The purpose of this paper was to share findings from an earlier study and to provide a framework for administrators to use in the implementation of class-size reduction (CSR) in their buildings. The study examined actual and average class size (CS), pupil-teacher ratios (PTR), and their differences. A primary goal was to clarify the ramifications…

This paper sketches the reasons for the tremendous increase in university expenditure on research out of internal funds including changes in federal indirect cost reimbursement policies and the growing cost of start-up funds for new faculty. It presents evidence, based on a survey of department chairs, deans, and vice presidents for research at…

This report is the second in a series based on data collected for an evaluation of the Class Size Reduction Program. This study examined the impact of the teacher on student achievement. The study used multilevel statistical techniques to examine the teaching strategies and techniques observed in the classroom that were significant predictors of…

This literature review focuses on the effects of class size on styles of teaching practice, and on pupil behavior and attainment. Most of the literature is from the United States. Evidence from previous reviews, correlational studies, meta-analyses, and experimental interventions are presented in this document. Much of the existing evidence is at…

This paper seeks to answer the question, "What is the relationship between student achievement and four variables often cited as solutions?" The selected variables are: (1) per-pupil expenditure; (2) class size; (3) teacher advanced training; and (4) teacher experience. Because supporters promote initiatives focusing on these variables,…

This issue describes the ongoing commitment of Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) to improve the quality of educational policy and practice in the mid-continent region and the U.S. as a whole. Four priority needs areas have been identified and will be the focus of McREL efforts for the next 5 years: (1) failure to support…

This study examined the benefits and drawbacks of using private and parochial schools to alleviate overcrowding in public schools. The extent of overcrowding in urban school systems; the amount of excess capacity in private schools; and the willingness of private schools to participate in a transfer program are explored. Program design,…

Outlined is a body of knowledge, the core of sociology, that belongs in the introductory sociology course. How the course is taught is also important. Class sections should be small; students should be required to write a great deal; and an informal, but structured setting should stimulate student- teacher interaction. (Author/RM)

Research on the relationship of class size to academic achievement is being used by administrators, parents, teachers, and politicians. Unfortunately, many questions are being raised on the methodology, results, and conclusions of the research studies. (FG)

In a study of school-based support services given to beginning teachers, three major categories of support were explored: (1) formal support, including school, school district, and teacher center related activities; (2) informal support, including professional books and articles; and (3) job-embedded support, entailing workload modifications and…

Despite a lack of support for the teaching of writing as a process that requires much practice, administrators must support teachers in this proved method of teaching writing skills. (Author/JM)

The effects of class size, classroom organization, and grade on friendship choice and clique formation were examined using cross-sectional and longitudinal sociometric data. Classroom characteristics affected friendliness and popularity, incidence of cross-sex friendships, number of social isolates per class, and number and size of cliques.…

Results are presented from the third biennial National Education Association "Survey of Instructional Problems" affecting teachers in their current assignments and particular concerns regarding class size, discipline, mainstreaming, and inservice education. (MB)

Three beliefs college faculty have about teaching large classes, and five challenges associated with teaching them, are discussed. A survey of 126 college students concerning what enhances or detracts from learning in large classes is then reported. Discrepancies between teacher beliefs and student experience are examined, and recommendations for…