Streaming in the primary school : the Maltese experience

Abstract

The following study attempts to trace the historical origins of streaming as a classroom organization, its flourishing during the first half of this century and its subsequent decline, leaving in its wake a trail of controversy in the press. A comprehensive survey of the most important relevant studies on streaming carried out: in Malta and abroad is also included. Finally a local post-facto research study was carried out to investigate whether type of school organization affected pupils' academic achievement. The sample consisted of 27 out of 59 prh11ary schools in .ri.1alta and in Gozo (46%), which included 15 streamed schools out of a total of 43 (35%) and 12 non-streamed schools out of a total of 16 (75%) and an average of 31 % of the pupil population in years l V, V, and VI respectively. Though the results obtained did not reach significant levels, yet clear indications were found that streamed schools favoured the average and the above average child while they were found to be detrimental to the below average child. Page ill In fact, children in streamed schools tended to obtain better results both in the National Annual Examinations and in the Junior Lyceum Entrance Examination, while more low-ability pupils tended to be referred to the Opportunity Centres from streamed than from non streamed schools.