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ERIC Number: ED236283
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980
Pages: 25
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Computer Analysis of Classroom Social Structure: Assistance for Teachers in Their Efforts to Enhance Integration.
Roberts, Gary J.
In 1978 the Springfield, Massachusetts school system began using sociometric techniques to analyze classroom social structure in grades 3-6 in order to provide feedback to teachers and data for evaluating the progress of integration. The sociogram asked students to choose whom they would work with on a school project, eat lunch with, pair up with for a field trip, play a game with, sit with in class, and invite to a party. Students were also asked to indicate their newest friend. Computer analysis of responses allowed for the preparation of a report, listing the extent of cross-racial selections by race and sex subgroup, isolates, most popular students, and possible cliques. The analysis indicated that there has been steady progress toward increased integration, with students making more friends across racial lines now than four years ago (two years after implementation of a court-ordered busing plan). The sociogram reports have been of some assistance to teachers in their efforts to encourage cross-racial friendships, and have also been useful in determining areas of need within the school system as a whole. Copies of the sociogram and of a sociogram report appear in appendices to this report. (CMG)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Springfield Public Schools, MA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A