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Changing English
Studies in Culture and Education
Volume 22, 2015 - Issue 4
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Articles

‘He’s from Ghana!’ Exploring the Social and Cultural Complexities of the English Classroom

Pages 336-348 | Published online: 17 Dec 2015
 

Abstract

This essay focuses on my experience studying Stephen Kelman’s Pigeon English with Year 9 and the complexities of that particular classroom. It seeks to look beyond the labels that are often imposed on students and to show the importance of examining the particular individuals, both as learners and as people with their own lives outside school. It considers text choice and illustrates how pupils’ cultural and historical backgrounds can play a key role in the social nature of the classroom. It also shows how significant class discussions can be in the development of ideas about literature. The essay then goes on to look at ability judgements and how these can affect learning, considering the value of setting versus mixed-ability grouping.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Names of the school, students and teachers have been changed to culturally appropriate pseudonyms.

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