The
main idea of Module 21 was the different types of grouping that can be
incorporated into the classroom. The types of grouping that can occur are
within-class and between-class grouping. Within-class grouping means dividing
the classroom into groups of students who have the same types of abilities.
This is usually done in reading or math instruction, for example, the class is
split into reading groups by reading level. Between-class grouping is also
known as tracking and means that students are placed in classes with students
of the same abilities. When students are placed in these groups, they have the
ability to move around and be a part of other groups as their skills begin to
improve, also known as regrouping. When students are engaged in groups, they
are exhibiting cooperative learning, because they are providing the group with
their own ideas, working collaboratively on a lesson, and are processing
information as a group. By working in groups, students are improving on their
social skills and can work on forming their ideas into words and presenting
their thoughts in a formal manner. It helps students with their self-confidence
and interpersonal skills.
A question that I had was about tracking. What are some pros and cons to applying tracking in schools? Is it really beneficial for students in the long run?
A question that I had was about tracking. What are some pros and cons to applying tracking in schools? Is it really beneficial for students in the long run?
Vygotsky
can be connected to this module because he believed in the idea of group work
in the sense that a child should have an adult, tutor, or someone who has more
knowledge than he does in order to affect his learning. He would agree with heterogeneous
grouping because this would mean that students with different abilities are
paired together. This would help low achieving students learn from the high
achieving students and will improve their social skills. They will not be
afraid to share their ideas and ask questions to each other.
The difference
between Vygotsky and Piaget is that Vygotsky believed that social interaction
was key to a child’s learning, while Piaget believed that experience and time are
what influences it. Vygotsky believed that learning occurs before development,
while Piaget believes that development must happen before learning.
While
writing this blog, I am influenced by what I learning class about Vygotsky and
Piaget. I am also being influenced by the book and Module 21, along with what
my peers have written on the blog. Each of these influences has contributed to
my learning and my knowledge on the topic which allows me to write this blog
post in a sufficient manner.
I think tracking is a great system if it is used the right way. By "the right way," I mean the students shouldn't know which group is the high track and the low track. For example, the groups can be called Red and Blue instead of 1 and 2. It is beneficial for both high-performing students and low-performing students because they are grouped with students close to their own ability level, so the low-performing students don't feel embarrassed next to the high-performing students. Also, the high-performing students are not held back by the low-performing students.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Ashley about not letting students know which track they belong in. Going along with that, I think that it is important to let students know that it is possible to move between the different groups. For example, if a high-achieving student is starting to slack off in class and not try as hard, then they should be moved into the other group. That way, students will be pushed to try their hardest in whichever group they are placed in. That being said, teachers who choose to move students between groups depending on their skills need to be careful about letting the students know which group is doing better or worse. Basically, if they switch the student, they should not say it is because they are doing "badly"; instead, they should say something like, "You get to work in the Blue group today. It's going to be so fun!"
ReplyDeleteIf you are speaking of tracking as in when you are in middle school and high school and taking the "accelerated" or "honors" classes then I believe this definitely benefits students in the long run. When students are in the accelerated or honors track they get to experience classes that are more challenging for them and therefore would prepare them better for college. (Assuming that most of the students in the higher track go to college.) I was in the honors track in high school and I definitely think it prepared me for college because I came into IU with 38 credits and therefore am ahead in my program. This definitely was a benefit to being able to take more advanced classes in high school and middle school. When looking at the lower track students, maybe this is where they belong because some do not want to go to college and want to go right into the work force once they graduate. For this reason these people would not need to take classes that would prepare them for college. In other cases if these students do want to go to college they are then taking classes that are at their level so they will do well and therefore have good grades to help them get into college. I fully believe that tracking in schools definitely benefits most students in the long run.
ReplyDelete