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This project will develop and evaluate effective group-work at
the primary and early secondary school level. The project aims to
enhance the learning/achievement potential of pupils (at Key Stages
1-3) working in classroom groups, by actively involving teachers
in three areas in a programme designed to raise levels of group-work
during typical classroom learning activities. The research will
first evaluate the effect of training pupils in group-work skills,
and the effect of different group sizes and different task demands
on the quality of group-work.
On the basis of these results it will then design a group-work
programme which will aim to enhance pupil attainments, motivation
and attitudes, and which will be systematically evaluated in relation
to two control groups. By taking a 'what works and why' approach,
the project will contribute to practice, policy, and theory and
will promote a more considered approach to the use of groupings
within classes.
The results should therefore allow teachers not only to adopt
new approaches based on sound evidence of their effectiveness, but
also allow them to consolidate and improve current uses of grouping.
The findings will have an important contribution to make in a country-wide
bid to raise standards and to reduce pupil disengagement. By working
closely with practitioners to identify the conditions in which such
effects can be maximised, the findings should have an impact on
future government policy.
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