MULTI-AGE GROUPING
What is Multi-Age Grouping?
Multi-Age grouping, sometimes referred to as vertical or family grouping, is a classroom organizational structure in which children of two or more age levels work together. It is an alternate grouping strategy from children of the same age working together.
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In their everyday lives, children interact with people of all ages. Their lives are enriched by the many experiences they have and by the relationships they develop. Multi-age grouping is a natural extension of this philosophy and extends it into the classroom environment.
Multi-age grouping is based on a belief that children will benefit from a learning environment where a wide range of ages and abilities work together to strengthen both their academic and social experiences.
How is a multi-age class different from the multi-grade classes that were once common in one-room schools?
The difference lies in the instructional approaches and strategies.
In the past traditional multi-grade classes, children were separated by grade and the teacher attempted to cover the prescribed curricula by dealing separately with each grade.
Instructional practices in today's multi-age classes focus on the child=s operational level of development rather than on the chronological age. Children are encouraged to participate in their own learning through individual and group activities. The children learn by working individually or with each other on common themes and topics. Learning is supported by a great variety of resources rather than the traditional single textbook approach.
How is the multi-age classroom organized?
The teachers take a holistic approach to teaching the outcomes prescribed by the Department of Education. A variety of different grouping patterns are used irrespective of their age. Children requiring extra work whether it be enrichment or remedial can be easily accommodated because of the range of abilities within the classroom. Also, children get to work and interact with children of different ages. As a result, they get to learn the value of teamwork and the acceptance of others through cooperative and collaborative learning.
Why choose multi-age grouping? What are it's benefits?
There are potential benefits of being part of a multi-age class. Among these are:
- Children advance from one concept/skill level to the next, as they are ready.
- Children avoid the adjustment to a new teacher annually.
- Children stay with their teacher/s and classmates for up to three years. Teachers get to know their students well and this provides continuity from year to year, thereby requiring less re-teaching at the beginning of each school year.
- It allows for multi-age cooperative learning and cross-age tutoring.
- Children are able to work at their own developmental levels.
- It leads to positive student attitudes and behaviour and enhances self-esteem.
- Longer times together enhance the relationships among teachers, parents and children.
- The skills of sharing, cooperating, and helping others permeate the multi-age classroom that are skills highly valued in today=s society.
- The individually paced learning environment provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and independence skills.
Can parents take their children out of the program if they choose to do so?
Yes, parents may request that their children be removed from the multi-age class and placed in a single-age class at any time. However, we ask that any parent registering their child for the program give the program ample opportunity to prove its worth.
How will the multi-age class be organized for instruction?
The multi-age model is not throwing the baby out with the bath water, but instead is using the strengths already in place in education to provide developmentally appropriate instruction for all children. As in a single-age class, the teaching strategies and classroom practices that facilitate the successful establishment of a multi-age program include manipulative-based mathematics instruction, process writing, cooperative learning, integrated thematic units, learning centres and a hands-on discovery approach to learning. The program is child-centered and is driven by the child=s needs rather than the content of prescribed textbooks.
Will children go to art, music and physical education as a class or with their age group?
If scheduling permits, students will attend art, music and physical education as a multi-age group. When grade level performances are occurring they will have the opportunity to participate with their peer group.
Will the class size of the multi-age class be larger than the single-age classes?
No, generally speaking the student/teacher ratio for single-age classes and multi-age classes will be the same.
How will the children be evaluated?
Evaluation of students both in a multi-age class and single-age classes will be on going and multifaceted. A students overall performance will be determined through formal and informal observations. Portfolios of student work, student profiles, learning logs and checklists, etc all form part of the evaluation process.
Will the students be doing the prescribed curriculum outcomes outlined by the Department of Education?
Yes, the students in a multi-age class will be taught the same curricular outcomes as students in single-age classes.
Has multi-age grouping been tried in other schools in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes, multi-age grouping has been tried in several schools in Newfoundland with success. At present, in addition to Gander Academy, there are several schools in Corner Brook and throughout the province offering a similar option.
How can I get more information on multi-age grouping?
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