You must have always thought of classrooms to have students of the same age. Have you heard of mixed-age classrooms? Yes, these classrooms cater to students of different ages attending classes and participating in various activities together. Though such a concept differs from the traditional classroom structure, several education leaders claim this arrangement benefits students.
Below is how it happens:
These Classrooms Facilitate Bigger Scope to Learn
Every classroom follows a few end goals and teaches specific values and skills to students. Mixed-age classrooms broaden the scope of learning. These classrooms teach students of different ages. Students of a minor age already learn content taught to elders. Elders also know or revise what was taught in previous classes, making it a win-win scenario for all age groups.
Developing Mutual Respect
While most parents and schools teach students to respect elders, they must realize a simple point. Elders must also be respectful to juniors. Such a value is critical to mixed-age classrooms in Montessori education. It fosters mutual respect between seniors and juniors. This structure and value also help develop a more assertive personality in students.
Stronger Relationship Building
Mixed-age classrooms do not impart knowledge alone. They focus on solid relationship-building between children. Every progressive international school in Tokyo devotes several activities to help children intermingle. Such activities not only help them develop compassion for others but also get rid of their personal biases. Relationship building is a crucial life value that students learn in mixed-age classrooms and can be beneficial in the future. Better relationship building can help them during interviews or work in harmony in an office.
Deconstructed Learning Experience
While traditional classrooms are all about learning from the teacher, mixed-age classrooms offer a different learning experience. Students learn from their seniors and try to follow them. Such a learning environment is more engaging and beneficial for both the learner and the mentor. While the learner learns to respect their mentor irrespective of age, the mentor also learns leadership qualities.
Developing Soft Skills
Most schools focus on teaching various skills and values to students. They tend to overlook teaching soft skills. Schools often feel children can develop soft skills independently and as they grow. Mixed classrooms focus on teaching students several soft skills like leadership, compassion and patience. These skills are vital for the student’s personality development and help increase future employment scope. Remember, learning these skills is equally important.
In Summary:
Though mixed-age classrooms are a new concept, several parents prefer such structures because of the above benefits. Most international schools offer mixed-age classrooms in the current times to remove the age barrier from learning. Education has now become more democratic and liberal, where students can interact and engage with various age groups freely. Such classrooms help students develop a more robust personality development and ensure better growth and progress.
To read more blogs click here.
