The authors compared the experiences of college students during cooperative learning and large-group instruction. Undergraduate educational psychology students were assigned to small groups to discuss how they could apply important psychological principles to teaching-learning projects. Students were interrupted during cooperative learning and large-group instruction so that the authors could measure perceptions of their experiences with the experience sampling method (M. Csikszentmihalyi, K. Rathunde, & S. Whalen, 1993). Overall quality of experience was greater during cooperative learning; benefits occurred specifically for thinking on task, student engagement, perceptions of task importance, and optimal levels of challenge and skill. Students were more self-conscious and reported more difficulty concentrating during cooperative learning. Quality of experience did not differ across instructional contexts for high-vs. low-achieving students; high-achieving students experienced greater overall quality of experience in both instructional contexts, particularly in the areas of engagement, perceived skill, and self-esteem.

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Doctoral programs in counseling were surveyed concerning their comprehensive examination practices. Most programs require examinations, but practices vary widely regarding degree of structure and procedures.

This study examined the long-term impact of retention/promotion decisions on the academic achievement of primary grade students. First-, second-, and third-grade retainees were matched on several variables with same-age students who were not retained. Results of same-year comparisons indicated that retained students significantly improve their relative class standing by the end of the retained year, and in some cases they maintain this advantage over a 2-year period; however, after 3 years there are no differences between retained and promoted students. Comparisons of same-grade level performance provided some evidence that second- and third-grade retainees experience more sustained benefits from retention, although these benefits are delayed one year.

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