Research


 * Research Project Overview**

**//When applying an Ability Grouping approach, can providing more student choice related to personal learning goals maximise maths learning for all students?//**
Teachers have traditionally used a variety of grouping approaches, including Ability Grouping as part of their teaching. Previous research has shown that while this approach can have benefits for learning, particularly for advanced students it can sometimes have a negative effect on student self concept. Students who struggle with their skill attainment when grouped in the classroom with like students can often develop poor self esteem and negative views of themselves as learners.
 * Ability Grouping**

This research project will look at the effects of using a ‘Personalised Learning’ framework in support of the Ability Grouping. It is designed to be implemented as part of the regular classroom Maths program. Students will be allowed to choose the group they work in based on their personal maths learning goals.
 * Personalised Learning**

It is the principal aim of the project to investigate whether, by empowering students through providing choice in how they learn, the negative effects of Ability Grouping on self-concept may be alleviated. Levels of maths achievement and self concept will be measured to ascertain student development in skill attainment and their view of themselves. Results will be compared, group trends noted and these used in the final reporting.
 * The Research Project**

No individual student results will be published and no child or teacher involved in the research will be personally identified. Parental permission will be sought for student involvement and teachers permission for their own involvement.
 * Privacy**

There will be three assessment tools used with all the students at the beginning and the end of the project. They include: Individual results from each assessment will be recorded as a benchmark before the program begins (Pre-test). The same assessment tools s will be applied at the end of the program (Post-test) and results compared with the Pre-test results. The trends for each group will be collated for final reporting. (A copy of these tools are available as downloads below
 * Data Collection**
 * Maths skills test
 * Self Esteem Questionnaire – this 10 question survey will help determine student level of personal self concept
 * Self Description Questionnaire – this 22 question survey will help determine students views of themselves as a maths learner.

A report of the research findings will be published for the school and the school community. This report may also eventually be published in a Research Journal.
 * Reporting**

Assistant Principal Surrey Hills PS Principal Researcher
 * Dean Banova

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