Effects of Within-Class Grouping on Student Achievement: An Exploratory Model

Abstract

Abstract In this meta-analysis, the authors attempted to develop a parsimonious model of factors that account for the significant variability in the findings on the effects of within-class grouping on student achievement. Two weighted least squares regression models were tested using 103 independent findings from 51 studies at elementary through postsecondary grades. Results indicate that the most important study features that accounted for 48% of the total variance include outcome measure source, teacher training equivalence, grouping basis, type of small-group instruction method, grade level, and relative ability of students. Goodness-of-fit statistics indicate that the model fits the data and that the remaining variance may be explained by sampling errors.