Investigating the causes for different achievement in year 3 students : a qualitative enquiry

Abstract

In every year group and within every classroom, children do not all achieve equal results academically. What are the reasons behind this different achievement? The purpose of this study is to investigate factors which might lead to differences between the achievements of different students. This study takes into consideration the individual characteristics of the child, factors within the classroom, social inequalities, gender inequalities and the structure of the educational system in relation to these differences. To obtain a clearer understanding of the situation from every perspective, a thorough review of the literature was carried out and interviews were conducted with Year 3 pupils from the same school, their parents and teachers. The purpose of this research is not to point out any particular causes which are leading to differences in achievement but rather to look at the whole picture and to understand the views of those most closely involved in the matter. The main theme which emerged from the data collected was that of shifting responsibility as all the respondents tried to explain the difficulties being experienced by blaming it on particular factors. The most common response was that of blaming the child who was experiencing the difficulties. Other factors mentioned included the teacher's responsibility, the influence of the home environment and caregivers, gender and questioning the system.