The effect of streaming on children's self esteem

Abstract

This research takes into consideration whether streaming affects self esteem in a positive or negative way. The research undertaken was to distinguish if there is a difference between students in streamed classes and those in mixed ability classes. Even more, the difference in self esteem between high and low streams and males and females were analyzed. This question is essential as it considers the children's needs. School plays an important part in the children's development and the way they perceive themselves. This will affect their entire life. Therefore, studying this topic is beneficial as one gets an insight in understanding what is best for children's self esteem: streaming or mixed ability grouping. The research method used to conduct this study was quantitative. The Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory was distributed to streamed and mixed ability classes and the results were analysed through SPSS. The results indicated a significant difference in self esteem between streamed and mixed ability classes. Correlations were also found among the various types of self esteem. No difference was found between high and low streams and between males and females. An interesting finding is that, streamed students, especially male students coming from low streams, tend to lie more often. The results agree with some of the literature review where it was stated that streaming affects children's self esteem negatively while mixed ability grouping enhances their self esteem. Consequently, streaming tends to have a detrimental effect on the children's self esteem.