Reply to Why the aversion to grouping kids based on ability rather than age? Thoughts from down under.

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]"There is a belief that smarter kids learn from the slower kids "

how so?  I can see the reverse being true, but don't see - educationally at least - how having slower kids in the class helps the smarter kids at all.  The reverse I think, actually.
.[/quote]

If you truly understand something, you can explain it, if you sort of understand it, you can coast for a while, and hope someday you really get it.  At least, if you care about learning, not just grades.

To have a classroom that is always set up so "faster learners" teach "slower learners" is not ideal.  To have this happen sometimes, stretches kids who think they have mastered something, to truly master it.

Also, kids have all different kids of problem solving abilities.  Often, the more verbal kids get all the credit as the fast learners.  Sometimes kids who are (relatively) less verbal kids are better,or different, problem solvers.  There is much to learn from them.

Not saying a super bright kid is going to benefit by being partnered with a low-average kid all day.  That would be pretty miserable. But, we do write off certain kids early and credit other kids with superior learning ability that may not be so superior.

It's not so impressive to have a "smart" kid who can only interact with a computer program that pitches him problems exactly at the right level.  It's really impressive to watch a kid who can lead a whole group to solve a challenging problem, and use all of the groups' different talents and abilities.[/quote]

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