Class differences in achievement - INTERNAL Flashcards
Labelling
To label someone is to attach a meaning or definition to them.
Labelling studies
Teachers label their pupils on the basis of stereotyped assumptions about their class background, labelling WC negatively and MC positively.
Who studied labelling and what was it called?
BECKER- interactionist study of labelling.
What did Becker’s interactionist study of labelling involve?
INTERVIEWS WITH 60 CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS. He found that they judges pupils on how closely they fitted an image of the ‘ideal pupil’.
Pupil’s work, conduct and appearance were key factors influencing teacher’s judgements.
What did DUNNE and Gazeley from their study of Labelling in secondary schools
- Interview with nine English state secondary schools.
- Found that teachers ‘normalised’ the underachievement of WC pupils, seemed unconcerned by it and felt they could do little about it, whereas they believed they could overcome the underachievement of MC.
- Teachers labelled WC parents as uninterested, but labelled MC parents as supportive.
- This led to class differences. Setting extension work for underachieving MC, but entering WC for easier exams.
- Teachers also underestimated WC pupil’s potential and those who were doing well were seen as ‘overachieving’.
RISTS STUDY OF AMERICAN KINDERGARDEN - Labelling in primary schools
- Teachers used info about childrens home background and appearance to place them in separate groups.
- Those who teachers labelled as ‘fast learners’ were labelled as ‘tigers’, MC - neat and clean appearance. They were seated nearest to the teacher and showed them great encouragement.
- Other groups such as ‘clowns’ SEATED FURTHER AWAY. Lower levels books given to read, fewer chance to prove ability.
SELF - FULFILLING PROPHECY
A SELF FULFILLING PROPHECY is a prediction that comes true simply by virtue of having it made.
TEACHER’S EXPECTATIONS - ROSENTHAL AND JACOBSON STUDY OF CALIFORNIA OAK COMMUNITY SCHOOL -
- Researchers tested the pupils , picked 20% of pupils randomly and told the school that these 20% are ‘spurters’ falsely. A year later they found out that spurters have made the most significant progress.
- The teachers had then conveyed these beliefs about the pupils through the way they interacted with them.
STREAMING
- Streaming involves separating children into different ability groups or classes called ‘streams’.
What does Becker say about streaming?
WC children are more likely to find themselves put in a lower stream. Once streamed it is usually difficult to move up to a higher stream. Children ‘get the message’ that teachers mark them ad ‘no-hopers’.
This is opposite to MC PUPILS.
What did Gilborn and Youdell say about Streaming and the A-C economu?
- Teachers use stereotypical notions of ‘ability’ to stream pupils (WC AND BLACK) - entered in lower tiers GCSE - widens class gap in achievement.
- Publishing league tables create an ‘A-C ECONOMY’ - system which schools focus time and effort on pupils as having potential to get 5 grade C’S to boost the school league table position.
How does the A-C economy produce an educational triage?
- Teachers use a stereotypical view of WC pupils as lacking ability. This produces a self fulfilling prophecy and failure.
- The need to gain good league table position drives the ET, for instance putting WC in lower streams.
Pupil subcultures
- Group of pupils who share similar values and behaviour patterns, emerge due to labelling and reaction to streaming.
What is lacey differentation?
- Process of teachers categorising pupils according to how they perceive their ability, attitude.
What is streaming?
A form of differentiation, it catergorises pupils into separate classes.
