Description
Presenting a compelling case for changing our system of education from a graded, curriculum-centered approach to a multiage, child-centered approach, Understanding Multiage Education is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy and foundations of multiage education.
Veteran educators Stone and Burriss examine the "why" of multiage education, exploring how multiage classrooms' structure, environment, strategies, and assessments unfold and complement the multiage philosophy and pedagogy. Delineating the differences between a standard and a mixed-age approach, each chapter features Inside Insights, short vignettes, case studies, examples of multiage in practice and discussion questions challenging readers to engage with the core concepts and examine how we might define success in a multiage classroom.
Designed for graduate-level students of early childhood, elementary, and general education courses, as well as experienced practitioners, this is an essential guide for anyone interested in understanding the rationale, implementation, and benefits of multiage education.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
System: Graded or Multiage Education?
Inside Insights 1.1: The Pedagogy of Multiage Education
1.2: Montessori: A Different Path and Approach
Chapter 2
Benefits: Why Multiage Education?
Inside Insights 2.1: A Multiage Family: Diverse Community of Learners
2.2: Crisis in Creativity
Chapter 3
Structure: Is It a Multiage or Combination Class?
Inside Insight 3.1: Specialists in Multiage Schools: Experiences of Art Educators
Chapter 4
Learning: Strategies Versus Lesson Plans?
Inside Insight 4.1: Young Social Scientists
Chapter 5
Learning: Goals Versus Objectives?
Inside Insight 5.1: Multiage Inquiry Science Project in Finland
Chapter 6
Role of the Teacher: Facilitator or Instructor?
Inside Insight 6.1: Can We Build a Worm Center?
Chapter 7
Curriculum: Are Mixed-age Groupings Too Diverse to Teach Effectively?
Inside Insight 7.1: Middle School Multiage Projects
Chapter 8
Assessment: What Is Appropriate?
Inside Insight 8.1: Technology, Learning, and Community
Chapter 9
Standards: Is There a Conflict?
Inside Insight 9.1: Neoliberal Thinking, Teachers’ Instruction, and Children’s Learning
Chapter 10
Self-Contained or Team Teaching? Which Classroom Structure Is Best for Children?
Inside Insight 10.1: Bullying: Less Likely in a Multiage Setting
Chapter 11
Mixed-age Grouping: Is It Really Important?
Inside Insights 11.1: The Value of Mixed-age Play
11:2: Mixed-age Children Digging Holes Outside
Chapter 12
Classroom Space: "Curriculum Tasks" or "Learning Environment?"
Inside Insights 12.1: Designing Spaces for Children to Thrive
12.2: Let’s Go Outdoors: A Learning Opportunity
12.3: Bilingual Projects in a Primary Multiage Classroom in Japan
Chapter 13
Defining Success: What Do We Really Want for Our Children?
Inside Insight 13.1: Multiage Classrooms: Responsive and Inclusive Learning Communities
Chapter 14
Change: Why Is It So Difficult?
Inside Insight 14.1: The Long and Winding Road to Multiage Classrooms
Inside Insight 14.2: The Folly of Homework: A Parent’s View
Chapter 15
Change: What Are the Possibilities?
Inside Insight 15.1: Beyond Measure
Chapter 16
The Vision: The Future of Multiage Education
