This article delineates areas of conflict that might arise due to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act's proposed implementation at the local education agency level. A strategy for the future development of federal educational policy is described. (CJ)

Discusses three general characteristics and four criticisms of meta-analysis (statistical analysis of the summary findings of many research studies). Illustrates application of meta-analysis on research studies relating to school class size and achievement and inquiry teaching of biology. (JN)

This review examines aspects of schooling most significant to academic performance. Part I considers sociological aspects of the school: school selection, grouping practices, peer group formation and influence, and teacher expectation. Part II looks at pedagogical/policy aspects: teacher characteristics, expenditures, and class size. Further…

In classes of four different sizes (16, 23, 30, and 37), teachers' expectations, student achievement in six areas, student and teacher attitudes, student self-concept, and various classroom process variables were studied. Class size effects were only noted for teachers' expectations and for one area of mathematics achievement. (Author/GDC)

To address specific difficulties with self-directed problem-based learning in a large-group pharmacy course, one teacher experimented with use of structured dialogs with small groups of students to provide support, emphasize process, explore concepts, and discuss assessment. Course structure, classroom experiences, and success in addressing the…

Concentrates on the effects of demography and educational structure on education costs. Tables present data from the United States and other countries on the following: (1) pupil-teacher ratio and class size; (2) hours of instruction per year for students and teachers; (3) salaries for teachers with 15 years of experience in 1992; and (4)…

For high achieving college students, public college honors programs offer smaller classes and more faculty contact and attention than many regular academic programs. Some honors programs are more intensive than others, but most offer special benefits through non-academic opportunities. The programs bring talented students to the institutions and…

Examines an in-service training session developed for use in the state sector in Thailand that aims to help teachers come to terms with some of the problems inherent in large classes. The article is based on the author's previous experience in Thailand and his continuing involvement there in teacher development. (11 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the relationship of writing to learning as a means of motivating lecturers to develop language-related skills. Describes a writing process aimed at overcoming the problem of large classes by getting students of English as a Second Language to write in groups. (nine references) (Author/CK)

Analyzes undergraduate research projects in biochemistry and related subjects at British universities. Discusses the trend toward students doing less research as part of their undergraduate study. Reasons cited for this trend include increased student numbers and costs. (DDR)

Female students participate less often and less assertively than males students in college classrooms, and teachers' discriminatory behaviors are partly responsible. Two in-class surveys assessed student perceptions of student-teacher interaction. Suggests that creating a better classroom climate for female students creates a better learning…

Describes survey in which rural elementary and secondary teachers ranked stress causes and coping strategies. Top causes included oversized classes, low salaries, high workload, and lack of public concern. Breaks down and examines results by age, gender, and years of experience. Recommends further research. (TES)

Structural differentiation and the culture in which the schools exist must be considered when addressing the issue of class size. (BJV)

Discusses the relevance to class size policy of research studies on effective schools, mastery learning, organizational theory, and effective teaching. Class size should be matched to student needs. (BJV)

In order to determine how situational variables influence students when they evaluate an instructor, the individual student as the unit of analysis was used. Interactions between three variables related to class (type, level, and size) and three related to instructor (reputation, rank, and sex) were examined. (Author/MLW)