How do disadvantaged students interact with their peers when taking part in collaborative tasks and what can be done to help them develop their communication skills?

Abstract The rationale behind this dissertation is to develop a strategy that gives all students the chance to work collaboratively using higher-order skills. It aims to combine the learning theories of Vygotsky, Piaget and Bourdieu to understand the impacts of social culture on a student’...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Gregory, Thomas
Format: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Language:English
Published: 2014
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28230/
Description
Summary:Abstract The rationale behind this dissertation is to develop a strategy that gives all students the chance to work collaboratively using higher-order skills. It aims to combine the learning theories of Vygotsky, Piaget and Bourdieu to understand the impacts of social culture on a student’s tools for learning. The literature is used to discuss the theory in the field of social justice and the implications that a disadvantaged background may have on an individual’s ability to communicate with their peers. Through the process of action research it is discovered that by structuring the students discourse and compelling them to repeat the process multiple times a student can start to gain some analytical skills. The process looks at the teacher being a motivator rather than an instructor with the aim of helping the students develop some independence. These marginal gains are personal first steps in helping to close the achievement gap for these disadvantaged students.