Information from 1,157 Spanish university classes using a student rating form indicates that class size has some impact on ratings of teaching, that this relationship differs somewhat as a function of the 2 dimensions operationalized in the questionnaire, and that effect sizes are small. (SLD)

Examined variables associated with differences in students' perceptions of interpersonal teacher behavior in seven secondary schools. Focuses on seven variables in a multilevel analysis: student and teacher gender; student and teacher ethnic background; student age and grade; class size; grade level; subject taught; and teacher experience.…

Interviews with teachers of 17 small first-grade classes at 10 Edmonton (Alberta) schools found that teachers drew on the contextual benefits of small classes to support students' skill development in a creative and integrated curriculum. Teachers used individualization; active learning; integration of reading, writing, and speaking; and a variety…

The goal of California's classroom size reduction (CSR) program is to have 20 or fewer students in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms. Districts receive $650 for each student in a reduced classroom. Describes how districts implemented the plan and offers five lessons from struggles and successes with CSR. A table displays average elementary…

A survey of dental hygiene program directors (n=107) revealed that in associate degree/certificate and bachelor's programs, applicants, class size, and student achievement have declined since 1957 but student age and experience have increased. In addition, students tend to be female Caucasians. Recruitment and labor market implications are…

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry's experience in implementing problem-based learning, usually used in small classes, in a large group instructional situation in a traditional, subject-based optometric curriculum is described. Development of a modified approach, simulated patient problems, weekly quizzes, patient notes, large- and small-group…

Describes the results of a national survey that was conducted to determine the current state of Spanish-language testing for placement and outcome assessments. The survey was undertaken in the United States in the departments of Spanish in B.A.-granting institutions. (Author/VWL)

Offers 10 suggestions for literacy educators' rights, noting that they should serve as points for discussion and action. Explains that these rights place the responsibility for literacy lessons on the teachers, where it belongs. (MG)

In Sheffield, England, a budget crisis and the growing demands of the National Curriculum sparked a campaign for improved contact ratios and class sizes. The local education authority established an independent inquiry to determine existing resourcing patterns and create the framework for a new curriculum-led funding rationale. This paper…

Reviews the research concerning how the classroom environment--classroom ambiance, privacy, density and crowding, and arrangement of play and learning centers--can influence young children's play and social, emotional, and intellectual development. (BB)

Physical education is declining in North American secondary schools. It has difficulty fitting into educational reform's public schooling vision. The article examines key elements in designing new physical education and accessing knowledge from multiple experts to develop programs. It simulates the knowledge acquisition process and presents a…

Article reanalyzes and expands upon data from Tennessee's Project STAR which examined the effects of class size reduction on student achievement in the primary grades. It describes six competing theories of class size impact on achievement and test performance, settling on the student group/modeling interpretation of study data. (SM)

Examined thresholds for two aspects of child care: adult-child ratio and group size. Investigated associations among different levels of these variables and with quality of care and children's social development. Findings suggest that meeting licensing standards for ratios and groups has a positive effect on ratings of the quality of care provided…

Contends that geographers in North America, Australia, continental Europe, and developing nations generally teach larger classes than do British geographers. Asserts that British higher education is being transformed from an elite system to a mass educational system. Presents suggestions for teaching large classes. (CFR)

Evaluation of a pharmacy student recruitment program undertaken by the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Society of Hospital Pharmacists found increases in total and completed applications, class size, science and mathematics grade point averages for incoming pharmacy students, interest in pharmacy careers, and appreciation of pharmacists'…