In the United States, the concept of multi-age classrooms is evolving. According to this concept, students are grouped in a classroom for a two-year period based on chronological age. Each student remains in the classroom with the same educator(s) for two years or more. As such, educators are better able to appreciate the individuality of each student with their unique skillsets. In this model, students are not evaluated majorly on their levels of development, with the graded standards and age-based expectations utilized in this evaluation context.
Multi-age classrooms position learners at the heart of their educational continuum. In such classrooms, students build adult-child relationships, respect, confidence, academic achievement, socio-emotional development, kindness, and acceptance. Additionally, they develop vital 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, flexibility, leadership, and initiative.
Multi-age classrooms encourage students to evolve as leaders and learners. As older students start mastering knowledge, concepts, and skills, they are able to share their learning with their younger peers. To teach anything confidently, a student needs to have an in-depth and enduring knowledge of the concept. This encourages leadership skills in older students as they learn to manage their younger peers and solve their problems while seeking support or guidance from teachers, as and when necessary. These are essential skills required in further education, at the workplace, and in real-life. By helping develop such skills early on in students, multi-age classrooms ensure they become an integral part of their educational DNA.
For younger students, the opportunity to learn from their older peers (who many may idolize) brings them security and independence. This helps them grow into confident adults who can question others and stand up for themselves. Additionally, mutual respect lessens the cases of bullying as students get to know each other and play and work together. As the younger students grow and transition into the ‘older kids,’ their classroom roles change. Since they get to handle more responsibility, their self-worth and confidence get a boost, which makes them reach a position to support and help the newest ‘younger ones’.
Thus, being part of a multi-age classroom make the students’ learning journey truly personalized. Since multiple levels of learning and teaching happen in such classrooms, the differences between students don’t get highlighted. This can be a boon for slow-learners or those who are introverted and prefer personalized education. Since teachers can spot and address each student’s needs at their own level through their observations, evaluations, and record-keeping, every student gets the necessary support to reach the next level of understanding, and no one is left behind.
