In which grouping method do teachers often change groups based on student performance over time?

Flexible grouping is a method where teachers frequently adjust student groups based on individual performance, needs, and progress. This approach allows educators to tailor instruction more effectively, ensuring that students are engaged and challenged appropriately. In flexible grouping, students might be grouped by ability for certain tasks, paired with peers for collaborative projects, or placed in mixed-ability groups to support diverse learning needs.

This method is particularly beneficial in special education settings, where individual learning styles and paces can vary greatly. By continuously reassessing and reshuffling groups, teachers can provide targeted interventions and support to help each student improve their skills. This adaptability encourages a more responsive and inclusive learning environment, fostering growth and development over time.

Other grouping methods, such as homogeneous grouping, fixed grouping, and static grouping, do not emphasize changes based on ongoing assessments of student performance. Homogeneous grouping often keeps students of similar abilities together, which can limit interaction with a diverse range of peers. Fixed and static grouping similarly establish groups that remain unchanged, potentially stifling student growth by not allowing for dynamic responses to their evolving educational needs.