Learning Together: A Manual for Multiage Grouping

This is a complete guide to the multiage grouping of students. Learning Together discusses the theory behind and practice of multiage classrooms, and explores its curricular, instructional and assessment elements. The book incorporates case studies of four schools which have implemented a multiage configuration.

 

The recent push toward developmentally appropriate curricula and practices has caused some schools to look for alternative strategies. One such strategy is "multiage grouping", the purposeful grouping of children who are more than 1 year apart in age. Bacharach, Hasslen, and Anderson have created an excellent guidebook for anyone who wants to know more about this increasingly popular concept. First, the authors define multiage grouping and describe what it looks like in action. Then, they provide a brief history of the movement and examine the various theories of multiage grouping and its social and cognitive effects. You'll get practical advice on how to get started and how to overcome obstacles inherent in any kind of change in the school setting. Teachers experienced in multiage grouping share with you their perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages and offer valuable advice and encouragement. Learning Together will be extremely helpful to teachers who are considering adapting multiage curricula and to administrators who would like to be better equipped to educate parents and staff on the concept. Teacher educators will find it very useful in preparing future teachers for new trends and diverse student populations.