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Ability grouping in schools
Ability grouping in schools
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The following research statements/observations and questions to be explored in this Action Research Plan are:
• Main Question: In what ways can teachers improve their practice of ability grouping in school key learning areas to benefit teaching and students?
This question will focus on how well teachers are trained in ability grouping and how training and experience can progress their practice, with the help of policy. Additionally, focus on ability grouping existing issues that needs to be overcome. The research of this main question will achieve knowledge and factual information to develop an educator’s aptitude to teach ability groups and provide evidence to explain why ability groups can be used to improve student achievement.
• Statement/Observation:
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Definition of terms in use
Ability Grouping: Is the teaching practice of placing students into groups based on ability, achievement and talents in an attempt to provide teaching instruction relevant to each group’s needs and to improve student learning (Walker, 2015, p. 22).
Between Class Ability Groupings: In between class ability grouping is where children are separated into different classes or education programs based on ability levels. For example, on occasions students move to another class of their same year to be taught spelling or mathematics by another teacher based on their ability, and their regular teacher could teach other students from other grade classes.
Differentiated Instruction: This term refers to tailoring teaching instruction to meet individuals learning needs of the students of different ability groups (Walker, 2015, p. 23).
Heterogeneous Classrooms: “Are composed of students with mixed ability levels who are grouped together in the same classroom” (Walker, 2015, p. 23).
Homogeneous Grouping: “This grouping refers to instances when students with the same ability levels are grouped together in one setting” (Walker, 2015, p.
While differentiating instruction and being able to design lessons geared towards the needs of diverse learners are currently highly prized skills for teachers, this has not always been the case. The history of education in the United States is a history of segregation. Even today, schools and curriculum are designed to meet the needs of a core group of students, which does not include students with disabilities (Hitchcock, Meyer, Rose, & Jackson, 2002). In the past, learners who were different, out of the mainstream, or did not fit into the mold to which teachers taught (were not part of the core) learned how or lost out on learning. This is not to say that teachers of the past did not care about their students, about being effective teachers, or about student learning. However, as schools are mirrors reflecting mainstream societal norms (Chartock, 2010; Delpit, 2006)—and, given that our society has not always valued diversity in people, be it due to disability, class, culture, or race—teachers in the past have largely focused their efforts where they could earn the largest return on their investment: the average student .
Cloran (n.d.) suggest teachers need to have a broad understanding of giftedness and learning disabilities, a variety of identification measures and the ability to modify the curriculum and implement differentiated teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of all students. A graduate teacher recognises that students learn in their own way and should understand and be able to identify a number of teaching strategies to differentiate and meet the learning needs of all students. They may create groups based on previous assessment results and set clear or modified instructions for each group based on ability or learning styles. To address the specific learning needs of all student abilities, multi-sensory strategies using charts, diagrams, outside lessons and videos, as well as posters around the room or information on the desk could be used. Tomlinson (1999) suggests that differentiated instruction aims to build on student’s strengths and maximize their learning by adjusting instructional tasks to suit their individual needs. Ensuring teaching and instructions are clear, revising and prompting students during lessons and providing templates and assisting student in breaking down tasks into achievable, systematic chunks are some additional examples. Lucas, (2008) suggests highlighting key vocabulary within the text to focus students on the central concepts within the text. Quick finishing students should be provided with the opportunity to extend themselves with extension tasks that have a specific purpose and
The students worked diligently and produced some great work, however, one thing that may be helpful during the next implementation of this lesson may be to group students, specifically, to mix skill levels. The teacher candidate noticed that most students chose to sit with their friends, most being on the same level of academic ability, leading to students getting off task or misunderstanding directions. If the students were assigned to groups that contained a diverse collection of skill levels then, they could use their strengths and weaknesses to learn from one
...ting them choose their own groups to be in during class, as offering multiple ways to complete projects, different assigned reading topics, and etc. The student can only get out of the class as much as they put in. Even though the students may wish the teachers would give less homework or let them read Sports Illustrated in class, there is a fine line between academic learning that incorporates “street smarts” and academic learning that lacks on the academic part. Teachers must insure their students are learning the required material and that they are not taking detours from learning about topics and ideas that students need to be successful after college.
Hopkins, G. (2003). Is ability grouping the way to go---or should it go away? Retrieved April 10, 2004, from http://www.education-world.com/a_admin/admin009.shtml
... having different levels of education. they will be divided into three groups according to their age, gender and educational level based on their personal information that will be elicited in the first part of questionnaire.
Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). Chapter 2: Elements of Differentiation. How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classroom. US: ACSD.
Lawerence-Brown, D. (2004). Differentiated instruction: inclusive stragies for standards-based learning that benefit the whole class. American Secondary Education , 34-62.
It also presents a challenge for the teacher to be able to adequately reach and challenge all levels. Having higher students helping lower students is always an option, but should not be used exclusively. The gifted students need to be challenged with independent projects and group projects with students that have similar strengths. Likewise, the students that are lower need to have more teacher directed time as well as similar peer groups to discuss and develop ideas with. Those students who are in the middle or average range can be grouped in either direction depending on their strengths and personalities. Some students have a stronger math sense and are up to being challenged at the gifted level, and some may struggle more and would benefit from a more structured reteach. Ultimately, the teacher should have options for all levels and have activities available for differentiated groups. The groups may change from day to day, concept to concept and subject to subject. One specific example I would use in my classroom is with math problem solving. For those students who fully get the concept and excel, I would have them create their own word problems and exchange them to solve. The group that was on target but not specifically excelling would have hands on practice to do independently or with a partner. Then group that is struggling would be working with me highlighting key words, and using manipulatives as necessary. Then groups would be fluid so students could move “up” or “down” as they improved or
Ability-based grouping will take time to implement into schools but would have a better impact on students academically but would hurt their social abilities and age-based grouping would have the opposite effect.
In the article “Better for students or easier for schools” Coach G a math teacher, instructional leader, and PD provider said he asked his students for their opinion and this is what they said,“ I don't feel right being split into different groups because it makes us feel like we don't amount to anything and sometimes I feel uncomfortable about that.” This was just one of the many similar comments. So if you were teaching these students and this is what they said when you asked for there opinion I would immediately stop. This student feels like there not important and when you come to school you should not feel like this you should feel like you have a purpose. That your important. From the article I read “Students shouldn’t be separated by ability” Lleras a professor of human and community development at Urbana-Champaign said “However much the practice of ability grouping has negative unintended consequences for minority students,” Lleras also said “teachers aren't to blame for adopting the practice.” This shows from research that it leaves a lasting impression later on in life.
First, it reduces patterns of discrimination and gives relative equal opportunity to students regardless of race, socioeconomic standing, etc. and creating a different classroom environment. This, in my humble opinion, makes peers be able to be more cohesive and work together both in and out of the classroom regardless of any preconceived prejudicial thoughts or actions. Second, the concept of “ability grouping”, from my understanding, is similar to what I experienced in my time as a student in middle and high school; the practice of placing students on certain levels based on ability in a particular subject. Personally, math was not a strong suit, however English and reading comprehension was, thus the staggering of placement in those particular areas. One area of an individual’s intelligence should not automatically place them in a low-level track for all subjects, and it seems as though that train of thought (pun intended) is gaining momentum as it rightfully
Ansalone (2010) discusses the disadvantages that students experience when they are ability grouped. Students who are in the lower groups are often given a watered down version of the curriculum and in effect they are presented information in a less imaginative manner, in effect denies the disadvantaged student to learn. On the contrary students, who are in the high group, receive benefits of being in this more elite group. Often time’s students are presented information in a differentiated manner and higher teacher expectations favor these higher grouped children (8).
Each individual has their own needs and they are grouped with students that are performing at the same level, but they do not enjoy the same things or learn the same way. My above grade level group is the one with the most similar
When grouping students together I will make sure that I select students with various abilities. This will ensure that the groups that form will be inclusive and diverse.