Types of knowledge valued and Maltese primary teachers’ attitudes towards selection

Abstract

This study explores some of the underlying reasons why selection by ability is valued amongst Maltese primary teachers. It explores the connection between types of knowledge valued and teachers’ perceptions about selection. The preference of the nine Maltese primary teachers interviewed for this study seems to have been that of Pedagogical Content Knowledge. However, the main concern and their reason for opting to streaming, a form of selection, is because they perceived Pedagogical Content Knowledge to be better addressed if children are grouped by ability. In addition, said teachers have given importance to their concern on the emphasis on content, rather than skill.