Tales from the Pond

ISBN-13: 9783639130973 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 288 str.

Margaret Plunkett

Opis

This book presents an alternative interpretation of apractice that tends to attract a great deal ofnegative press - that of ability grouping. Oftenviewed as elitist and a means of reinforcing thestatus quo in unequal societies, the educationalpractice of grouping on the basis of ability hasengendered distrust in egalitarian Australia for manyyears. This study challenges this notion throughexamination of a disadvantaged rural secondaryschools attempt to create a learning environmentthat is appropriate for highly able students, whilenot disadvantaging mainstream students not involvedin the program. The metaphor of a pond is woventhrough the study, representing Marshs Big FishLittle Pond Effect, which is critiqued. Through amixed methodological approach, the views of studentsin both the grouped and mainstream settings wereexamined to determine their levels of satisfactionwith their educational experience. The study foundthat although the ability based setting provided asuitably nurturing environment for the able students,it was not viewed as desirable by mainstreamnonmembers, suggesting that appropriate provision mayrequire different educational responses.

O autorze

Dr Margaret Plunkett is a lecturer in education at Monash
University in Australia, specializing in gifted education. She is
Australian delegate for the World Council for Gifted Children. Her
research interests focus on appropriate educational
provisions for highly able students, particularly use of
ability grouping in disadvantaged rural settings.