Research vs. practice : how are our schools setup? : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Many of the teaching practices, in our elementary schools, have been controversial issues for years. Two major issues are the use of ability grouping, as well as the use of self-contained classrooms versus departmentalized classrooms. A great deal of research has been performed on both of these topics. Despite the research that has been carried out, it is not certain that the correct practices are being followed. To address this, I have provided a description of the research that has been done, and follow up with the results of a survey. This survey determines what practices are being used by teachers, and analyzes whether or not these practices are following what research results recommends.