Research behind the Best Evidence Synthesis

Item number
BES019

BES selection
Mathematics BES

Format
Journal article

Title
The construction of a mathematical habitus : implications of ability grouping in the middle years

Author
Zevenbergen, R

Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group

Publication Place
London

Publishing Year
2005

Source
Journal of curriculum studies, v.37 n.5 p.607-619

ISSN
00220272

Subject
Secondary education

Descriptors
Secondary education ; Mathematics curriculum ; Mathematics education ; Primary education ; Secondary education ; Mathematics teaching ; Student behaviour ; Ability grouping

Age Focus
Adolescents (13 to 17 years)

Education level
Primary education ; Secondary education

Language
English

How to obtain
Ask at your public or university library. If they don’t have it they can borrow it from another library for a small charge.

Abstract
Ability grouping is a common practice in many mathematics classrooms. Its negative effects on students have been documented in research spanning two decades or more, and yet it is still widely implemented--in some countries even mandated. Using data from interviews with Australian students in the compulsory years of secondary schooling (14-16 year-olds), and using the theoretical tools offered by Bourdieu, I argue that the objective practices of school mathematics create an environment through which students internalise the practices to develop a sense of self, a "habitus". This "habitus" potentially is more or less empowering, depending on the experiences within these streamed settings. (Author)

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The Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis programme (BES) : New Zealand Ministry of Education
http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/themes/BES