| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to quantify possible changes in the classroom learning experiences of high- and low-ability pupils, which might accompany an organizational change from streamed to mixed-ability classes for learning science in secondary schools. Deteriorations in the quality of the classroom interactions of both high- and low-ability pupils were found, these deteriorations being particularly significant for high-ability pupils. It was suggested that these changes in classroom processes might provide the key to understanding the superior academic achievement of pupils in homogenous groups, which has been reported by other research workers. It was concluded that the nine teachers studied did not respond to this organizational change by individualizing classroom activities. Instead, they tended to teach to the middle of the ability range, with both ends of the ability spectrum being adversely affected, in terms of classroom behaviors. For high-ability pupils, the observed learning experiences became more structured and teacher-directed in mixed-ability classes, with decreased opportunities' for these pupils to practice a range of higher-order intellectual skills. For slow-ability pupils, an overall decrease in the frequencies of classroom behaviors was recorded. However, these changes in classroom processes were small compared with those experienced by high-ability pupils. |
