When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of using unstructured interviews to investigate streaming, we need to look at how this can effect the pupils. One strength of using this method to investigate streaming is, as stated in item B, the researcher ‘can explore pupils feelings and reactions’. This supports the idea of empathy, as the researcher can build a rapport with the respondents and by using this method is able to talk about sensitive issues. For example, by talking to students in the lower band, using unstructured interviews allows the pupil to feel at ease and not judged by the researcher. This may mean that the pupil will open up and could explain their feelings and emotions towards the subject of streaming, and the reasons why they ‘develop a negative image’.
Firstly, overt observation is when the researcher would make all the pupils aware that they are being studied and makes sure they give their permission before the observation takes place. This makes their research ethical, however observer effect can occur which is where the truants may behave differently because they are being observed, giving unreliable results. The other type of participant observation is covert studies. This means the truants wouldn’t know they were being watched, so they are more likely to behave like they normally would, giving valid results, however this raises ethical concerns such as the right to withdraw and deception. A strength of participant observation when investigating truancy from school is results are usually valid compared with getting the students to fill out a questionnaire about truanting when there is no real way of telling if they are giving accurate answers.
For example, the most effective method would be, to respect the students and their feelings before they can respect you. Dr. Michaels stated that, “You will gain respect by knowing the emotional, physical, and psychological place of your students. “Show that you care.” This all leads back to students wanting to know that their teacher not only cares about their education but them as an individual. As an after school instructor, I have dealt with many cases where a students didn’t feel like they had to show me respect right off the bat. Which is something that I can understand, because children don’t really comprehend the importance of respect or manners, its something that has to be taught to them.
t identifies two groups that are similar and comparisons are made- it seeks to discover cause and effect, avoids artificiality, can be used to study past events, no ethical problems . If studying labelling in schools which is a social process of teachers attaching positive or negative labels to students and students also doing this to teachers, this is best understood in the context of social interaction in the classroom. This would eliminate lab experimentation and would be favoured by interactionists using a field experiment approach. Main ideas concepts Some researchers have used laboratory experiments-Harvey and Stains, they looked at whether teachers had preconceived ideas about pupils of different social classes. The study indicated labelling goes on and that the labels are used to pre-judge pupils potential.
They are identified in a person but aren’t really the person’s number one choice. The preferred strategies are the strategies that help the person learn and cope to their needs. Identified strategies are there and also help but the person would prefer the other strategies over them. As discussed earlier, kinesthetic strategies embody actively engaging into the lesson. On the contrary, aural study strategies engage “attending classes, discussions, and tutorials, discussing topics with others and teachers, and using a tape recorder.” People who are good listeners and learn better by hearing have aural strategies.
Assess the strengths and limitations of unstructured interviews for the study of pupil subcultures A subculture is a group of people within society who share norms, values, beliefs, and attitudes that are in some ways different from or opposed to the mainstream culture e.g. an anti-school subculture formed by pupils in lower streams. In this essay I will be asses the strengths and limitations of unstructured interviews for the study of pupil subcultures. An unstructured interview is that mainly open ended questions with no fixed set questions that produces qualitative data and is free flowing like a guided conversation. There are a number of strengths and limitations of using unstructured interviews to study pupil subcultures.
This leads to an ethical question of, is giving an intelligence test ethical? In some cases I feel it is, and in some it is not. It all depends on how equal teachers will treat their students. Not all teachers are capable of being fair to everyone after knowing how intelligent they are. In cases of that it might be best for scores to be kept private, known just to parents and the student.
'Questioning enables teachers to check learners' understanding. It also benefits learners as it encourages enitgagement and focuses their thinking on key concepts and ideas.' (Kyriacou 1995 in Desforges 1995, pg. 126) I am of the opinion that the idea children should work in mixed ability groups is not always a viable option. I feel it is important to take into account the personalities of the children, as learning may be inhibited if one child is particularly domineering or intimidating.
Disadvantages - The data collected is not qualitative, whereas the issue at hand really needs a qualitative response. - Difficult to hand out questionnaires to only minority ethnic group pupils without causing some offense. - Teachers and pupils are both going to
Society thrives on the philosophy of allowing children to do what they want when they want. When in reality these students are often are acting up or failing grades to get attention from parents and mentors. Neo-Scholasticism allows students to become internally motivated. Students who have internal as well as external motivation to finish school will be less likely to drop out of school. While, factors such as constant absentness, unwanted behaviors, and low grades influence drop-out rates, school that have stricter guidelines and repercussions for the factors might make students think twice about their actions.