Streaming & Setting

Question 1

What is the definition of streaming

Answer 1

When pupils are grouped for most subjects based on overall ability

Question 2

What is the definition of setting

Answer 2

Pupils are grouped by ability for individual subjects e.g. Maths or English

Question 3

Why do functionalists believe schools stream/set pupils

Answer 3

Meritocratic perspective- streaming helps all pupils reach their potential by matching teaching to ability
e.g. top sets can move faster, lower sets get extra support

Question 4

Why do Marxists believe schools stream/set pupils

Answer 4

Streaming reproduces class inequality; working class pupils often are in lower streams therefore have less challenging work and lower expectations

Question 5

Why do interactionists believe schools stream/set pupils

Answer 5

Teacher expectations and labels influence pupils’ self-concept; low expectations lead to a self fulfilling prophecy

Question 6

What does Keddie’s study on the effects of streaming on pupil learning and how it creates a ‘radical pedagogy’

Answer 6

-streaming can create a ‘radical pedagogy’ problem where lower streams are given, less challenging work, limiting opportunities to learn.
- lower stream pupils are often taught basic skills only regardless of ability
- curriculum in lower streams reinforce social inequality
-pupils can then internalise low expectations, leading to lower achievement.

Question 7

What are the evaluations of Keddie’s study on the effects of streaming

Answer 7

• Not all lower-stream pupils underachieve; some may exceed expectations- not inevitable
  + mixed ability teaching can reduce these negative effects

Question 8

What does Ball argue in his study on Mixed Ability vs Streaming

Answer 8

• streaming can limit opportunities and affect self esteem, while mixed ability teaching may reduce these negative effects
• lower streams often receive less challenging work creating low self esteem and feelings of failure
  -mixed ability teaching helped to reduce labelling giving more pupils access to challenging work & opportunities

Question 9

What are the evaluations of Balls study on mixed ability vs streaming

Answer 9

• Mixed ability teaching can be challenging for teachers to manage effectively
• Top stream pupils may feel held back in mixed ability classes