Teaching Multi-Grade Classes

Key Question What are strategies that I can use to effectively teach a class with students of different ages and grade-levels?

Learning Objective By the end of this session, you should be able to… Identify strategies that you can comfortably implement into your multi-grade class Establish a systematic way to organise your students’ work (portfolio) Create a routine so students can complete independent work on a regular basis

What is a Multi-Grade Class? One classroom with students of varying ages and grade levels Challenging educating children who otherwise would not be able to go to school

Rounds of Participation Each pupil has a two- or three-minute opportunity to express his or her point of view on a given topic while others listen. Older students: controversial, thought- provoking topics Younger students: simple topic Safe participation Holding Students accountable Lead by older students

Involve Your Students Students help maintain physical space Sense of responsibility Students help create classroom rules Sense of ownership

Group Work / Peer Teaching Same grade levels work together Mix age groups Meet and work with variety of peers Strengthen collaboration skills Encourages more students to participate

Teach by subject vs by age Content area is the same Level of difficult of task varies By Age-Group Deliver lesson to one age-group/ability level Rest of class works on Independent work

Self-Paced Learning Work at own pace in curriculum Track own progress so students know where to pick up right away Easier to manage for you Requires a lot of work beforehand

Portfolio A file containing samples of student’s work and information Help manage paperwork Track student progress class work, behaviour, attendance, etc. Review portfolio twice every semester or term

Student-Created Questions Have students create their own exam questions and answers based on their notes and lectures Method of review for creators Give these questions to their peers as a review packet Have creators correct peer work Add in extra of your own, if you want!

Exams To reduce the amount of time it will take you to mark/provide feedback: Short essay questions with limited space for response Use diagrams, tables, and figures Answer Sheet Multiple-Choice with explanation

Thank You Multi-Grade Classes