The effects of multiage grouping on primary students

This study analyzes the literature regarding the appropriateness of grouping children in multiage groups. The term multiage groups is defined here as the deliberate assembling of pupils together who are of, at least two or three chronological age groups. Three issues are discussed in this regard: (1) What are the characteristics of the multiage approach? (2) Why is the multiage grouping approach becoming more popular? (3) What are the standards which would be applied when assigning children to multiage groups? The history of multiage groups is addressed as well as the characteristics and reasons for the return in popularity of multiage groups. The standards for teachers and students in the multiage setting are indicated. The appropriateness of grouping primary children in multiage groups is presented