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NLL Group Discussion - Ability Thinking, : : - Coggle Diagram
NLL Group Discussion - Ability Thinking
1. What do Boylan and Povey mean by the term 'ability thinking'?
A belief that there is a fixed ability each individual has that cannot be advanced. They are only capable of reaching a certain level of attainment, and no amount of hard work or change in study methods can help this.
2. What reasons do they give to support their argument that a fixed view of mathematical ability is wrong?
Has been shown in comparisons between England and other European countries not to work
Those at the lower end of the sets are restricted from parts of the curriculum
Lack of challenge within sets
Those from low socio-economic backgrounds dominate the lower sets
Negatively affects the learners relationship with the subject
Mathematics anxiety from school perpetuates throughout adulthood (Bibby, 2002)
Undermines students confidence when comparing themselves to others in class
Student unable to move easily between sets
Being grouped as a higher achiever, there is more anxiety around the subject
3. What do you think of their arguments?
If teachers have a fixed ability mindset, what are the likely effects?
Teachers will believe that their students are unable to progress. This will affect how the teacher delivers the class. If the students aren’t able to achieve in the subject, why would you bother to put in so much effort to help them?
If pupils have a fixed ability mindset, what are the likely effects?
They will not take risks in their learning because they will believe that anything they answer wrong will be a reflection of their innate intelligence. They will most likely become less engaged with the subject and stop trying to challenge themselves.
4. List pros and con of setting for maths
PRO
Easy for the teacher to provide support
students can get a curriculum that is specifically tailored to their needs
CONS
lower attainment
increased anxiety
elitist attitudes in higher sets
widening attainment gap
5. Can you make ay links to your school observations?
We have all experienced in primary school the different ability grouping for literacy and numeracy
Jack experienced three students excluded from an English class on critical writing as the teacher didn't think the students were able to keep up with the level of the class. These students were encouraged to write something more reflective.
Andreea had 2 examples. 1) a student who is seen as the best at everything gets anxious when she cant do something and faints. 2) one student is at a good level but didn’t perform well on one test so parents want additional support
6. What do you know of alternative options?
Mixed ability grouping: students are not grouped based on ability. This could encourage more collaborative work between differently levelled students and more peer support. The teacher would need to provide more differentiation within the class. More classroom talk could allow new knowledge to be co-constructed.
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