The main advantage of the mixed-ability academies is that all students operate with the same high standards. Standard students are partnered with advanced students who expose them to new ideas, higher order thinking processes, and the expectation of success. Standard students feel more positive peer pressure to achieve in the academies. It also brings about a more unified attitude within the class. Another advantage is that in the mixed ability academies, the Special Education students are divided equally among each class instead of all being placed in one class. This gives me more time to work individually with these students instead of being overwhelmed by all the needs of one class.
I believe the advantage of mixed-ability classes is the feeling of equity. Everyone feels they are held to a higher standard. The standard students seem to work harder and the division between standard and advanced seems to dissolve. Advanced students are given opportunities to help standard students and feel a sense of accomplishment without feeling superior. Standard students feel a sense of acceptance and achievement by being successful in the same class as students who were formerly considered advanced.
One advantage to mixed-ability academies is that the students learn to feel "responsibilty" towards one another. They tend to help each other achieve high goals and encourage each other through rough spots and cheer each other through triumphs.
Another advantage of mixed ability classes is that the pressure over-achievers operate under seems to be a bit reduced. They are not as stressed. At the same time, the students that tend to ignore or forget deadlines and test dates pick up study habits.
Students in the mixed ability classes seem to work together better than if they were divided into advanced and standard. The higher achieving student will encourage that fellow student who is struggling and try to show them a way to do it better. That student that struggles academically is given a mentor that is a good role model.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe main advantage of the mixed-ability academies is that all students operate with the same high standards. Standard students are partnered with advanced students who expose them to new ideas, higher order thinking processes, and the expectation of success. Standard students feel more positive peer pressure to achieve in the academies. It also brings about a more unified attitude within the class.
ReplyDeleteAnother advantage is that in the mixed ability academies, the Special Education students are divided equally among each class instead of all being placed in one class. This gives me more time to work individually with these students instead of being overwhelmed by all the needs of one class.
I believe the advantage of mixed-ability classes is the feeling of equity. Everyone feels they are held to a higher standard. The standard students seem to work harder and the division between standard and advanced seems to dissolve. Advanced students are given opportunities to help standard students and feel a sense of accomplishment without feeling superior. Standard students feel a sense of acceptance and achievement by being successful in the same class as students who were formerly considered advanced.
ReplyDeleteOne advantage to mixed-ability academies is that the students learn to feel "responsibilty" towards one another. They tend to help each other achieve high goals and encourage each other through rough spots and cheer each other through triumphs.
ReplyDeleteAnother advantage of mixed ability classes is that the pressure over-achievers operate under seems to be a bit reduced. They are not as stressed. At the same time, the students that tend to ignore or forget deadlines and test dates pick up study habits.
Students in the mixed ability classes seem to work together better than if they were divided into advanced and standard. The higher achieving student will encourage that fellow student who is struggling and try to show them a way to do it better. That student that struggles academically is given a mentor that is a good role model.
ReplyDelete