Show Classroom Grouping Sets Pace for Student Learning By D. D Gary Jones School District The philosophy of education in the United States is one of equal education for all the children of all ali the people An equal education however is not necessarily the same edu edu- cation To provide an equal education the individual differences differences dif dlf- of students must be considered and programs developed developed de de- that will meet these individual needs nerds One method used to recognize recognize nize and develop the individuality individuality of students is homogeneous grouping Ability as determined determined de de- by achievement standings has generally been the determining factor in the formulation of the groups In most instances this type of grouping is actually achievement achievement achieve achieve- ment grouping rather than ability ability abil abil- ity grouping Basically grouping Is the organization of classes to facilitate facilitate fac fac- learning There are many forms of grouping that have proven to be successful in various situations They include grade groupIng grouping grouping group group- ing classroom inter grouping classroom intra grouping individualized indi indi- program and un un- graded plan Flexibility is one of the prime factors in the success plans that have been described ed are only five of f over one onehundred onehundred hundred d gro grouping pi g plans pl ns No plan will fit the needs of every school grade class and student Several plans may be utilized within a school As students change within groups the need to revise revise revise re re- vise the grouping plan may also need to change It is impossible to to develop a grouping plan that will bring bringa a group of exactly equal students students stu stu- dents together When a random group of six year olds enters the first grade two per cent of them will be below the average four year old in general mental development development de de- and two per cent will wUl be above the average eight year old By the time this group reaches the age of twelve or seventh grade the range will have increased to eight years The more effective the teaching teaching teach teach- ing process the greater the range will become Research indicates that trait variability in the typical individual individual Is 80 percent as great as the Individual variability in his age group When students are classified into three groups there is a reduction of variability of less than 20 per per- cent When considering the ability of students it is necessary to consider all the areas that effect effect effect ef ef- his achievement Consideration Consideration Consid Consid- must also be given to students student's interests personality traits prior learning experiences exper fences and home al experiences which affect behavior and development If U there are so many variables variables vari varl ables that must be considered before a student can be properly properly pro pro- properly perly placed and if the reduction reduction reduction tion of the class class' range is negligible negligible neg neg- the question comes to mind Is grouping an effective effect ive means of improving instruction instruction in in- and meeting individual individual ual needs As In hi all instructional programs programs pro pro- programs grams the teacher is still the key beto In the determination of programs effectiveness When a sound philosophy is developed that adapts the attitudes attitudes at at- methods and curricula to the further adjustment of the school to the child the results results results re re- seem to be favorable to grouping Every school in the Uintah School District utilizes utilize some form of grouping Each parent parent par par- ent should be familiar with the type of program that his student student stu stu- dent is involved in and the reasons reasons rea rea- sons Eons for its particular 1 r design and function |