15 Clustering Learning
Definition
Grouping students for learning on a specific topic or skill.
In action
Teachers can tailor their instruction to specific student groups clustered on learning needs, interests, or some other commonality.
*Important note: Overuse or misapplication of clusters solely on ability can be problematic. Teachers should avoid creating and reinforcing low and high achieving sub-groups within a classroom and instead ensure that all students’ strengths are appreciated and highlighted through use of ability groups across content and other beneficial accommodations
Support Strategies
- Include the cluster’s specific interests into their independent studies
- Use differentiated instruction to provide students with enriched learning opportunities
- Clusters are flexible based on subjects, interests, and learning needs
- Provide students with options to learn new concepts at a faster pace (e.g., assign homework before didactic instruction to allow gifted students to engage with the textbook)
Case Study
Student: Grade 5 students in English class
Content: Students are beginning a new novel with daily readings and comprehension questions focused on describing key themes.
Problem: There are five students with advanced reading skills who display sign of boredom when the new novel is introduced. They each finish the novel within the first few days of it being assigned and want to engage in deeper discussion than their peers.
Solution: The teacher clusters the five students together to read a separate novel at a higher reading level on the topic of their choosing. In addition, this small group engages in advanced discussion around literary themes related to the novel and contrasted with the first novel.
Additional Resources
- Fact sheet about cluster grouping from the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented
- AASA article describing the cluster grouping model and its effective implementation in schools
- Chapter on Clustered Learning from Drs. Gentry and Mann
