Tracking Essays (579 words) - Educational Psychology,

Tracking Between-class ability grouping, which is the practice of lumping children together in separate classes according to their talents and ability level, is ineffective according to many research studies. Research findings claim that, although ability grouping may have slight benefits for students who are assigned to high track classes, these benefits are balanced by losses for students who are assigned to low-tracked classes. Putting students into low-tracked classes is damaging for a few reasons. First, these students are not or are only exposed to a few positive role models. Also, many teachers do not enjoy teaching low tracked classes and have low expectations of their students. Research has also found that lower track classes' quality of instruction is lower than that of middle or high tracked classes. Tracking therefore unfairly creates unequal opportunities for academic achievement. One of the most harmful effects of tracking is the label a student in a low track is given. Opponent s of tracking fear that the labels students are given early on stay with them as they move from grade to grade. It has a stigmatizing effect on those students and reduces their self-esteem. Research shows that tracking is ineffective, however, schools continue to use this practice. Why would schools continue to use tracking if it is obviously harmful and ineffective? Tracking proponents claim that it is easier to teach relatively homogeneous classes. They also claim, that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to master the same curriculum. They say that students are more comfortable and learn better when they are tracked. They also claim that tracking lets teachers adapt instruction according to the students' needs. Also, tracking seems to be beneficial for high tracked students and why would parents or teachers want gifted and high achieving students to be slowed down (as they perceive it) in order to accommodate low tracked students? These are the reasons why tracking, although proven ineffective, continues to be used. There are alternatives to tracking. Untracking recommendations focus on having students in mixed ability groups and holding them to high standards but providing many ways for them to reach those standards, including extra assistance for students who are having difficulties keeping up(Slavin, 298). Ability grouping for certain subjects, cooperative learning and project-based learning are alternatives to tracking. An example of an ability group is regrouping. Students that are in mixed ability classes have separate math or reading classes based on their ability and performance level. A regrouping method is the Joplin plan that groups students across grade lines for instruction of a subject. Another alternative to tracking is nongraded programs, also known as cross-age grouping programs. This type of program combines students of different ages in the same class. Another alternative to tracking is within-class ability grouping. This lets teachers divide their students into groups and hav e each group work at different points and rates. Using small groups enables a teacher to tailor curricula and teaching for the needs of the students. Cooperative learning is another alternative to tracking. Students work in small groups collaboratively on classroom projects. All students learn the same course work together and share responsibility for their group's success. Cooperative learning emphasizes active interaction between students with varying abilities and backgrounds. It is a beneficial alternative to tracking. Although tracking still remains a widely used method for dealing with student diversity, there are alternatives and hopefully they will be implemented successfully in schools across the nation. Education

The Importance of a Comparative Literature Essay Sample

The Importance of a Comparative Literature Essay SampleA comparative literature essay sample is important if you want to increase your grades and demonstrate your ability to write about literature. Here, you will learn why a comparative literature essay sample is important and what it can do for you. This short article will help you think about what a comparative literature essay sample can do for you.In today's society, many students are interested in learning more about the history of literature. They are interested in seeing how different writers have influenced each other and how their works relate to each other. A comparative literature essay sample can provide some of this information.A great advantage of taking a comparative literature essay sample is that it gives you a chance to see how different writers use the written word. It also shows you how different authors represent different stories. The essay sample shows you how you should present your own writing in order to be accepted by an audience.When you use a sample that is full of different styles, you are much more likely to become familiar with the written word. You may even want to use it to enhance or write your own essay. There are many reasons that you might want to write an essay using this kind of sample.If you are interested in pursuing a career in academia, a comparative literature essay sample can be of great benefit. You can learn about various periods of literature, and you can get a feel for how these periodicals used to present their published pieces. You can learn about styles, trends, as well as different literary devices that work in various genres.Students who want to take advanced courses in literature may also find a comparative literature essay sample useful. They can find out what works well and what doesn't work in a general audience. In addition, students who want to study literature at the college level can use a comparative literature essay sample to become better acquain ted with how the published literature is presented.Reading this kind of literature can also be helpful for professional development. You can become better acquainted with the different reading materials that you can use for your own work. This information can also prove to be useful for your professional success.Although the selection of a comparative literature essay sample will be made by you, there are plenty of resources that you can use. You just need to make sure that you are going to use the right resources for your research. You want to find a resource that is full of a variety of sources that are relevant to your purpose.