This article explores heterogeneity as fundamental to learning. Inspired by Bakhtin's notion of heteroglossia, a design team consisting of an experienced classroom teacher and 2 researchers investigated how a class of 3rd and 4th graders came to understand disciplinary points of view on heat, heat transfer, and the particulate nature of matter.…

This longitudinal quantitative study compared literacy achievement of students from second through sixth grade based on two organizational systems: graded (traditional) and nongraded (multiage) classrooms. The California Standards Test (CST) scaled and proficiency scores for English-Language Arts (ELA) were used as the study's independent variable…

Family grouping (a classroom organization plan in which elementary school children of differing chronological and developmental stages are grouped in a single class) is a means for providing continuity between home and school with a minimum of psychological and emotional shock. (MJB)

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.…

Examined why New Zealand elementary students in composite versus single-grade classes showed slightly lower reading performance, comparing the range of students' reading abilities, the nature of teachers' groupings, and other aspects of instruction in pairs of composite and single-grade classes from nine schools. Composite classes did not appear…

This study examined elementary and secondary teachers' views about combination classes. Interviews indicated that most teachers preferred not to teach them and believed that such an approach was limited by organizational constraints. Results are interpreted as a consequence of the lack of understanding of developmental theories underpinning…

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…

Presents strategies for planning lessons for home-schoolers, science circuses, and summer science programs with multi-age groups of children. Suggests a spiraling curriculum centered on big ideas and varying a common activity in mixed-ability classrooms. Includes examples of activities for multi-age groups. (KHR)

Having never embraced behaviorism and its emphasis on fragmented knowledge, direct instruction, and reinforcement contingencies, German schools have fostered a constructivist learning perspective for quite some time. German students are helped to make connections that develop and strengthen their internal knowledge structures and build their…

The major underlying concepts used in developing this Collaborative Teaching Program for intermediate grade level students included the heterogeneous grouping of pupils in a community of learners, the use of quality circle management, and the appropriate use of teaching strategies geared toward the major modes of learning. The community of…

This study compared the curriculum, instructional strategies, and organizational formats used by 6 elementary mathematics teachers with multigrade classes and those used by 18 who used either whole-class teaching or ability grouping. Analysis of videotaped lessons found significant differences between groups, suggesting that multigrade classes…

This study evaluated the Primary Learning Communities (PLC) program, a non-graded kindergarten through second-grade alternative curriculum piloted in three Houston, Texas, elementary schools. The curriculum allows a multi-age mixing of students with ages between five and seven years in the same classroom. Approximately 600 students and 27 teachers…

Although multiage grouping is part of a greater approach to change in education, classroom problems can result when the approach's rationale is not understood. Three precepts of vertical grouping concern heterogeneity of student groups, individualized materials and activities, and a caring learning community. Factors influencing successful…

HETEROGENEOUS MIXTURES OF CHILDREN OCCUR NATURALLY IN PLAY AND IN MANY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, FOR EXAMPLE, STUDENT COUNCIL MEETINGS, CLUBS, AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. THESE ACTIVITIES DEMAND THE VARIETY OF AGES, TALENTS, INTERESTS, AND EXPERIENCES REPRESENTED BY THE WHOLE RANGE OF STUDENTS IN A SCHOOL. IT IS QUESTIONED WHETHER ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES WOULD NOT…