UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

How do teachers engage students in the lowest attaining English sets in high achieving schools? A mixed methods, multiple case study

Halligan, C; Baines, E; (2023) How do teachers engage students in the lowest attaining English sets in high achieving schools? A mixed methods, multiple case study. Cambridge Journal of Education , 53 (1) pp. 97-116. 10.1080/0305764X.2022.2083076. Green open access

[thumbnail of Baines_LowAttainingGroupsPaper-AcceptedFinalVersion.pdf]
Preview
Text
Baines_LowAttainingGroupsPaper-AcceptedFinalVersion.pdf

Download (339kB) | Preview

Abstract

Grouping students at secondary school based on attainment is a prevalent practice in English schools. Despite this, research has suggested that those placed in low attaining groups are disadvantaged by their placement. This study aimed to provide an account of student engagement, teacher interactions and pedagogical approaches employed by English teachers. A mixed method, multiple case study design was used to report on classroom practices and student engagement in three low attaining Year 10 English classes in two secondary schools. Information was gathered using semi-structured interviews with teachers and students and lesson observations. Findings suggest that teachers of these classes promoted engagement by developing positive student–teacher relationships through praise that encouraged learning, minimising negative reprimands and adapting teaching to respond to their students’ needs. The authors suggest that strategic use of these practices allows teachers to develop positive relationships with students, providing the foundation for engagement in lessons.

Type: Article
Title: How do teachers engage students in the lowest attaining English sets in high achieving schools? A mixed methods, multiple case study
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1080/0305764X.2022.2083076
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2022.2083076
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Social Sciences, Education & Educational Research, Low attaining, attainment grouping, ability grouping, tracking, teaching practices, teacher-student relationships
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Psychology and Human Development
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10153223
Downloads since deposit
24Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item