Ds expected to “help” another pupil with work in class

[LostFrog]

Ds is 9 years old, just started Year 5, first year of new school (middle school system here).

He tells me that when he has finished his own work in class, he is required to help a boy who sits next to him. This happens every single lesson, and he says that the boy is reluctant to work, won’t write anything, gives up quickly and mutters all the time that he doesn’t get it, etc. From asking around, this seems to be the standard on every table in the class - there is one or two pupils who are “learning mentors” who have to teach the less able ones.

Is this a) normal, and b) reasonable? It’s not like ds volunteered for this role. If he has finished, Shouldn’t he be offered an extension task whilst the teacher or TA (there is one, I checked) help the ones who are struggling? I have emailed the teacher to ask them to clarify what’s expected, but has anyone else come across this?

They don’t tell them the answers because getting the answer isn’t the important bit. They have no need to tell them the answers.

It's not helpful at all to your child or the child struggling. I was this child in school but in my case, I fell behind because I was supposed to help the girl next to me whilst trying to do my own work. You can imagine how that worked out. It ended up my parents ringing and complaining so I could be moved. The other child obviously needs more help as do any of the others who are struggling. The way my sons school deals with the issue is the have some small break off groups so those that are struggling can have the benefit 1 teacher teaching in 4 to help them with the more challenging work. I know this because my son is in one the groups. I'm surprised your child school isn't implementing a similar approach.

@Pumperthepumper

They don’t tell them the answers because getting the answer isn’t the important bit. They have no need to tell them the answers.

Yep, that makes sense 'the right answers aren't important'.

Presumably this is why UK pupils rank about 17th in the world rankings when it comes to mathematical ability. Last time I checked, I think we were ranked below Cuba FFS?

But now we know that the answers don't actually matter in maths, it's kinda starting to make sense

They don’t tell them the answers because getting the answer isn’t the important bit. They have no need to tell them the answers

I have a confession, in year 8 DS ( of the further maths A-level) had an "arrangement" with the girl next door (she is now doing a fashion degree). She did his Art and he did her maths homework. His art teacher was baffled that he did n't take it GCSE.

Okay once in a while but not every day.

Presumably this is why UK pupils rank about 17th in the world rankings when it comes to mathematical ability. Last time I checked, I think we were ranked below Cuba FFS?

I’ll give you a bonus point if you can tell me who’s first, and why. You’re dangerously close to an epiphany here!

@traumatisednoodle

They don’t tell them the answers because getting the answer isn’t the important bit. They have no need to tell them the answers

I have a confession, in year 8 DS ( of the further maths A-level) had an "arrangement" with the girl next door (she is now doing a fashion degree). She did his Art and he did her maths homework. His art teacher was baffled that he did n't take it GCSE.

😂😂😂

That’s a different thing, but funny!

My children's school did this, my eldest was like an extra TA one year. At first I was up in arms and thought it would negatively impact my little one but actually it really helped them to engage with others and learn to explain things. I think as long as they are also teaching your child to a suitable level it is beneficial for them to learn to support other people. My littlest one actually came home today and told me all about how she had helped the girls next to her with her maths, but specifically said I didn't do it for her as that wouldn't help her but I went through it with her so she could see what she had done wrong. I was proud that she was helping other who were struggling with something.

Yes, I know who is first. But I don't put it down to peer teaching.

I used to have a longer line at my desk than the teacher when I was doing a level maths. Teaching a subject is the one key way to cement learning.

Oh, and taking umbrage at your kid helping others is really poor.

@peaceanddove

Yes, I know who is first. But I don't put it down to peer teaching.

What do you put it down to?

It’s a word that’s been used a lot on this thread. I think they might even have invented the concept. Do you want to share it with everyone else?

Singopore aint it Miss ?
Might be because the average IQ is 10 points higher than the Uk.

@traumatisednoodle

Singopore aint it Miss ? Might be because the average IQ is 10 points higher than the Uk.

It is Singapore! And they use………..?

And possibly even invented…….?

Why is it, well several generations of finaicial careers, less alcohol ? certainly less poverty, less obesity ?

Singapore also have extended school hours + more extensive homework hours, and an awful lot of pupils also attended further evening lessons in maths. This is according to my friend's DS who has taught TEFL out there for years.

High aspirations
Low behaviour problems
I can think of lots of reasons...

7 IQ points on a population level is a lot

@traumatisednoodle

Why is it, well several generations of finaicial careers, less alcohol ? certainly less poverty, less obesity ?

And the higher standard of living, and higher standard of parental education of course.

You can count in base 8 all you like, but numerous studies have shown that the one consistently accurate signifier of a child's academic achievement is the educational background of its parents (specifically the mother).

@traumatisednoodle

Why is it, well several generations of finaicial careers, less alcohol ? certainly less poverty, less obesity ?

Maths mastery!

And they’re so good at it, we actually draft Singaporean teachers over to Britain to show us how to do it.