Assessment criteria 3.2 Social organisation and relationships may affect the learning process in many different ways. In many subjects children will be set in groups according to their ability, this allows them to move forward with their learning and not to be held up by learners that may need more support, which can be given by the teacher or teaching assistant. All pupils need to be continually assessed and monitored through testing and teacher assessment to allow rapid change in groups when needed also to make sure progress is being made. There is, however, a significant problem with setting by ability; no matter how many wonderful names you give the lower sets; all children are aware of which set they are in and this can lead to low self esteem and confidence and can have a detrimental effect on their learning. It can also lead to bullying and name calling from other children. Although sometimes it is also beneficial for them to be of mixed ability so the children are able to peer mentor, thus improving their self esteem, confidence and social skills, whilst giving them a sense of achievement.
Working with an adult in small groups also helps children who may be easily distracted remain focused and stay on task. When grouping children, even in ability sets, it is important to focus on the seating arrangement of that group as this can also have an impact on the outcome of the lesson ie children that are known to cause disruptions should be sat near the door or the teaching assistant so they can be kept on task or easily removed if necessary. Children whom are known to be chatty should be placed near the teacher or other adult support so they can be easily reminded to remain focused and on task. It can take a little while for any new group to ‘gel’ and