Ability grouping beneficial to high-ability but harmful to low-ability students is called:

Ability grouping beneficial to high-ability but harmful to low-ability students is called:

Options:

(a) Between-class ability grouping (same age)

(b) Within-class ability grouping (same age)

(c) Cross-age grouping

(d) Cross-grade grouping

✅ Correct Option: (a) Between-class ability grouping (same age)

Explanation (200+ words):

Between-class ability grouping involves placing students of the same age into separate classes based on ability levels. Research shows that while high-ability students may benefit academically, low-ability students often suffer from lower expectations and reduced motivation. This approach can widen achievement gaps and negatively affect self-esteem of lower-performing students. Critics argue that it promotes inequality and labeling. As a result, many educators prefer mixed-ability or inclusive classrooms. Understanding the effects of ability grouping is essential for effective educational planning.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Groups students by ability. Same-age grouping. Benefits high achievers. Harms low achievers. Increases inequality. Affects self-esteem. Linked to labeling. Criticized by researchers. Alternative is mixed-ability teaching. Important topic in education policy.