Cultural beliefs and equity in educational institutions: exploring the social and philosophical notions of ability groupings in teaching and learning of mathematics

ABSTRACT

This research article examines the widespread practice of ability grouping in educational systems across different countries, exploring its impact on academic achievement and its implications for equity among mathematics students. The findings underscore the urgent need for educational ecosystems to move away from ability grouping and embrace alternative pedagogical approaches that foster growth mindsets, equitable opportunities, and inclusive education for all students. The implications of this article extend beyond the immediate concerns of schools, school organizations, and mathematics education enthusiasts. Particularly, the insights gleaned from this research bear significant relevance to the development of adolescents and youths on a broader scale. The insights provided by this study are relevant to parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in fostering an educational landscape that equips adolescents and young people with the skills, attitudes, and opportunities needed for success in a diverse and complex world.

KEYWORDS:

• mathematics education
• pedagogy
• curriculum
• student achievement
• growth mindset
• educational reform

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Ashraf Alam

Ashraf Alam is a Ph.D. Scholar at IIT Kharagpur. He holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Delhi. Over the course of Ashraf’s academic journey, his research and teaching interest has inclined towards the philosophy and sociology of education, and in areas of research ethics, educational psychology, and educational technology. He works at the crossroads of research and action for sustainable development, focusing on policies that impact the vulnerable. Currently, he is researching the different facets of ‘Positive Education’ at the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness at IIT Kharagpur under the esteemed guidance and patronage of Prof. Atasi Mohanty.

Atasi Mohanty

Atasi Mohanty, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India. Her research interests include positive youth development, social psychology, youth mental health, science of happiness, prosocial behavior, happiness at the workplace, sustainable health and wellbeing, positive psychology, organizational behavior, Indian psychology, and sustainable entrepreneurship. She is currently guiding 14 Ph.D. research scholars.