Multi-age classrooms are optimal for learning
This is the fourteenth in a series of posts explaining the Acton Academy Principles of Education.
Education Principle #14: Multi-age classrooms are optimal for learning
Multi-age classrooms are optimal for learning
Multi-age classrooms reflect the real world and improves peer-to-peer learning and supports personalized learning
Multi-age classrooms are a hallmark of the Montessori method. It is also reflective of the real world. We don't only work and live alongside people that are our same age. In a traditional classroom, that type of collaboration exists only primarily through after-school activities.
What did Maria Montessori see as the benefits of building multi-age classrooms?
Opportunities for leadership: Older students will have the opportunity to lead, teach, mentor younger students. In addition to allowing them to build leadership skills, this will help them build patience, empathy, and multi-tasking skills. And, of course, as they mentor and teach their younger peers, they will build expertise in the subject matter.
Motivation: Peer-to-peer learning provides tremendous motivation to younger students. As they watch their older peers successfully master tasks, it serves to motivate them to achieve the same. This goes beyond academic achievements. Older students serve as mentors in terms of behavior, social and emotional skills.
Eliminates unhealthy competition: Students of the same age compare themselves to each other. This leads to animosity when one feels behind or superiority when one feels ahead in a particular task. Diversity among students in skillset leads to learning from each other rather than competing with each other. It helps to build confidence and interest in developing a wide range of skillsets.
Builds growth mindsets: Having a growth mindset leads to building lifelong learning practices. In a multi-age classroom, it's inherently built in. Younger students see their older peers and recognize that through practice and hard work, they will be able to achieve the same level of mastery of skills and tasks. As older students observe younger students, the value of working hard is reinforced through observing the growth younger children experience. It encourages them to continue to grow and learn new skills.
Want to learn more? See the research behind the principle.
Further Recommended Reading: Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard