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Class Setting and Children’s Non-Cognitive Outcomes

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  • Emily McDool

    (Department of Economics, University of Sheffield)

Abstract

Setting is one form of ability grouping which is widely adopted in English schools; it involves dividing pupils from the same cohort into classes according to ability in a specific subject. The effect of setting has long been debated; while the existing evidence identifies a negative effect on cognitive outcomes, especially for the low ability, little research has been undertaken to understand the impact of setting on non-cognitive outcomes. This paper provides the first evidence of setting on non-cognitive outcomes when adopting a nationally representative sample of primary aged pupils. Using Millennium Cohort Study data, Fixed Effects (FE) and Instrumental Variables (IV) methodologies are adopted to overcome potential unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity. For boys, setting in maths negatively impacts non-cognitive outcomes, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. This effect is driven by a worsening of internalising behaviours. Little evidence is found for a significant impact of lowest set placement on non-cognitive outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily McDool, 2018. "Class Setting and Children’s Non-Cognitive Outcomes," Working Papers 2018008, The University of Sheffield, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:shf:wpaper:2018008
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    File URL: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/economics/research/serps/articles/2018_008
    File Function: First version, May 2018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ahn, Taehyun & Goh, Young-Geun, 2021. "The long-term influences of ability mixing on soft skills," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 367-386.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Educational economics; ability grouping; non-cognitive skills; children; primary schooling; teaching practices;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J00 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - General

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