Working Relationships, in Mixed Ability Science

Summary

Pupils' preferences for working partners and classroom companions in mixed ability science classes were investigated using sociometric techniques. The sample consisted of 274 third‐year pupils in 14 mixed ability science classes in two Midlands co‐educational comprehensive schools. Evidence of self‐preference for groups of similar scientific ability, interests in science and socio‐economic grouping was obtained for certain subgroups in nearly every class, but in no consistent overall pattern, and usually at a very low mag‐nitude. The results serve to emphasize the differences that exist between individual classes, and the problems of generalizing research results obtained from only one or two classes.