The assumption that multi-grade learning enhances and sustains positive self-concept is widespread, although neither theory nor empirics have yet allowed for firm conclusions. This paper reports on a representative longitudinal study of multi-grade learning in grades 3 and 4 comparing the development of students' self-concept in reading in…

Technology offers pedagogical affordances that can transformteaching and learning in multigrade classrooms to assist in theprocess of teaching and learning. However, it is challenging forteachers to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms,given the complex and dynamic multigrade context. Thetechnological pedagogical content…

Internationally, schools with small numbers of children and constrained funding are not able to group the children in classes based on their age. Rather, the children are combined into larger 'mixed-age' classes. Schools and teachers manage this situation in different ways, for example by teaching the class as two or more separate age-based groups…

Multi-grade primary classroom contexts provide opportunities to address the different needs of diverse learners through differentiating instruction. This mixed-methods study is a smaller component of a larger study undertaken in Australia, with other elements reported elsewhere. The study used ecobehavioural assessment to examine the relationships…

Multi-age classrooms feature the purposeful grouping of students from two or more grade levels in order to form communities of learners. During the past 40 years, multi-age education has been examined in literature and research in many different ways and contexts. In the subject area of visual art, however, little literature can be found that…

Describes one multi-age classroom that includes children from 6-11 years of age (traditionally grades 1-5). Explains how this unique learning community began; how student groupings were established to promote social interaction and peer collaboration among a wide age span of children; what the class looked like in actual practice; and what the…

Attempts to determine if classroom environment is different between single-grade and multigrade primary-school music classrooms. Findings suggest that children in multigrade classrooms are more satisfied, experience less friction, and perceive music class as less difficult than peers in single-grade classes. Discusses educational implications.…

Summarizes evidence from experimental research, ethnology, anthropology, and history about merits of multiage classrooms. Indicates studies show no consistent benefits of age segregation and some affective and social advantages from multiage grouping. Concludes that multiage and multigrade classrooms are socially and psychologically healthy…

States that the concept of nongraded classrooms has flourished in educational circles since the days of the one-room schoolhouse, and that researchers have found that students in multiage classrooms form peer relationships that show more advanced socialization skills. Offers an annotated bibliography of 12 articles from the ERIC database on the…

Evaluated effects of mixed-age and same-age classrooms on dimensions of mastery during play for young children developing normally and for disabled children. Found that children's developmental maturation was related to the sophistication of their play mastery for children without disabilities in both settings and for children with disabilities in…

Describes a teacher's experiences in a multigrade intermediate grade mountain schoolhouse. Notes that teaching difficulties were overcome by (1) organizing time and contracting with students; (2) learning from students about what to teach; and (3) using language that invites and includes students. Explains how these techniques aid reading and…

Although the single-grade classroom has emerged as the most prevalent administrative arrangement, the existence of the split grade phenomenon continues to be a part of educational tradition in both rural and urban schools, predominantly at the elementary levels. Teachers are then forced to compromise curriculum to teach all levels simultaneously.…

Discusses the organization and operation of multi-age classrooms in an elementary school in Nevada. Describes how teachers working with primary classrooms of first and second graders, and intermediate classrooms of third, fourth, and fifth graders, created an adaptive, flexible, and dynamic curriculum that could serve the needs of their…

Discusses the benefits of mixed-age grouping for children's social and cognitive development and reservations parents sometimes have about mixed-age groupings. Also discusses issues that teachers need to consider when implementing mixed-age groups: children's personal care routines; furnishings; children's language, motor, creative, and social…

Investigated experiences in a multiage classroom, especially from the child's and parents' perspectives. Found that despite concerns, in the multiage classroom each child is allowed to progress at his or her own pace; individuality is valued; competition is lessened; and children have more time to develop relationships. (Author/SD)