Madeline Coffin

EDU231- Positional Paper

12-07-2016
Multi-Aged Classrooms

My definition of multi-age, is a classroom with two consecutive grade levels all taught in

the same room by the same teacher. As I did my research I adapted my understanding and

definition of multi-age to, a room with a balanced number of students of different ages with a

range of achievement levels. After concluding my research I found I sided on the beneficial side

of multi-aged classes. Multi-aged classrooms have their advantages and disadvantages and in

some cases can be very beneficial to individual students.

Most people automatically think multi-aged classrooms consist of gifted students of the

lower grade and struggling students of the higher grade. This is far from the truth. The idea

behind multi-aged classrooms is to find that balance of achievement levels, to have a wide

spectrum of learners. Multi-aged classrooms are student centered. The role of the teacher is to be

constantly shaping and developing their classroom curriculum to fit the needs of their students.

The oldest students in a multi-aged classroom tend to benefit the most. This is true because they

develop leadership positions within the community of the class and have the chance to revisit

basic concepts with their younger classmates. The gifted students gain ease as the teachers

program is more student centered and has an array of options when it comes to activities and

learning methods. This being said the students who would struggle in a traditional classroom will

still be successful as the daily choices allow them to strength their weaknesses. Multi-aged

classes from my research have been very favored compared to single age classes. Studies show
that students in multi-aged classroom show more superior study habits, increased social

interaction, self-motivation and a positive attitude towards school.

Multi-aged classroom do have their down falls as well. Many parents question multi-aged

classrooms. Parents of the older students feel their children will be used as a tutor for younger

students and will not gain any new knowledge. It is also argued that the diversity in the class is to

abstract for a single teacher to meet every students needs. Younger students in a multi-aged class

could become easily frustrated or overwhelmed by the content and or their peers achievement

levels. Another huge problem that can develop is an unbalanced class. This means the range of

academic achievement cannot be met in one classroom and will cause dysfunction to the class

leaving a certain academic level behind. Another fear of a multi-aged classroom is neglecting

certain students. Gifted or the struggling can get lost in the mix of a multi-aged classroom. This

tends to happen with a disorganized teacher or a teacher who is new to the system. As there are

many flaws to multi-aged classes I still believe in the long run multi-aged classrooms are

beneficial to most students.

In all everyone will have their own view and interpretation of what a multi-aged

classroom is. When instructed correctly and with the correct balance of students I believe multi-

aged classes are ideal for our primary grades. I personally was in a multi-aged class from 3rd to

4th grade and found it to be very successful both years. My parents were very supportive of the

idea as they loved that I got to be a role model my second year in the room and that I got the

oppurtunity to revisit things I may have struggled with my first year. My first year in the room

my parents were a little hesitant as most would be but, they soon discovered having older

students around me pushed me and encouraged me to strive for higher achievements. Finally, I
encourage multi-aged classrooms versus traditional classes both from my research and personal

experience.

Citations:

Gajadharsingh, Joel. "CEA Research Study on the Multi-grade Classroom". The Multi-

grade Classroom:Myth and Reality A Canadian Study. Ed. Margaret Gayfer. A Canadian

Education Association Report. Toronto,Ontario:1991.

Leier, Marion. The Multiage Concept Explained. The Multiage Concept. Russell Yates,

2006. Web 07 Dec. 2016.

"Multiage Education Thesis." Multiage Education Thesis. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2016.