LETTER

From Tak-Sang Li

Madam: Judith Judd's report ("Classroom 'chaos' leaves UK pupils trailing", 29 September) suggests that the UK's teaching methods are trailing behind our international peers.

As a 16-year-old who has just begun A-levels, I oppose the idea that the International School Effectiveness Research Project has put forward, that the idea of whole-class teaching is more effective than group work. In a time when class sizes are increasing excessively, teachers cannot cope with the demands and contributions from every student. In fact, I have observed that during whole-class teaching, only the more assertive students speak up, whereas the less confident are more inclined to sit to one side and merely listen. Group work allows students to work constructively, co-operate and interact with each other, exchanging ideas and views.

I am also strongly opposed to this idea that the project promotes set- ability rather than mixed-ability groups. Mixed-ability groups allow everybody, regardless of their ability, to become involved in the work and exchange their often varying but equally valid points in the work set.

I feel it is unnecessary and ludicrous to "class" a student as being more able than another. In doing this, we are destroying the learning curve that is so important for children: to learn from different experiences and to contribute to a child's learning and education. It is important that we don't destroy one of the most beautiful aspects of classroom life: that is for all children to work together, as equals

I was taught in mixed-ability groups throughout secondary school.

Yours faithfully,

TAK-SANG LI

London, E14