ERIC Number: EJ1376840
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2301-251X
EISSN: N/A
Differences in Students' Mathematics Knowledge in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Groups
European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v11 n1 p15-32 2023
The question of grouping students into homogeneous and heterogeneous groups is not new, but it does not find an unambiguous answer in the literature, especially in mathematics. In this paper, we address the question of whether grouping students into homogeneous and heterogeneous groups in mathematics improves their knowledge. The quasi-experiment involved 126 8-grade (i.e., 13-14 years old) Slovenian primary school students, who were divided into two equal groups: the control group worked in homogeneous groups, and the experimental worked in heterogeneous groups. The results of the post-test show that the students from the experimental group had better results in mathematics, which indicates that heterogeneous groups should be preferred in mathematics. Lesson observations have identified differences in teacher behavior: educators working in homogeneous groups tend to give students with lower competencies tasks from lower taxonomic levels, and teachers favor abler groups. Such differences have not been observed among teachers working in heterogeneous groups. The implications for educators are also discussed.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Homogeneous Grouping, Heterogeneous Grouping, Grouping (Instructional Purposes), Grade 8, Elementary School Students, Teacher Behavior, Mathematics Achievement
European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. Eastern Mediterranean University, Farnagusta, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey. e-mail: editor@scimath.net; Web site: http://www.scimath.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 8; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A