Multigrade teaching: towards an international research and policy agenda

Multigrade teaching: towards an international research and policy agenda..


Abstract
Despite its prevalence in many educational systems, multigrade teaching remains invisible. In the global effort to achieve education for all in the post-Dakar decade the needs of multigrade teachers, classes and schools must be addressed. The paper (i) explores the meaning of the term multigrade teaching in developing and industrialised countries and identifies a range of conditions under which it arises; (ii) synthesises knowledge of the practice of and research on multigrade teaching; and (iii) proposes an international agenda for future research on and dissemination of policy and practice. The agenda underlines the need for context-specific questions and comparisons, more awareness of the prevalence and challenges of multigrade teaching, more research on the practices and training needs of multigrade teaching and the exploration of synergies between teachers, curriculum, assessment and classroom organisation. It is suggested that knowledge of multigrade teaching strategies is needed by all teachers and not simply those in classes designated as ‘multigrade’.



1.Multigrade teaching Introduction
2.What is multigrade teaching ?
‘ Multi’ means plenty, many, or more than one. The word ‘grade’ means level. Multigrade, therefore, means many grades.
Multigrade teaching is a situation in which one teacher has to teach many grades, all at the same time. It happens in all schools where there are more grades than teachers.
Some multigrade teachers may teach two grades, but some teach three or four grades. In very small schools, teachers may teach six or seven grades at the same time under one roof. In the traditional single-grade teaching, or monograde as it is sometimes called, the teacher teaches only one grade.
The learners in each grade are usually of the same age but may differ in abilities.
3.Factors Contributing to the establishment of Multigrade Teaching.
Cultural factors
Socio-economic factors
Benefits of multigrade teaching
Richer learning environment
Greater community involvement.
Development of health competition
Greater understanding between learners and educators.
4.Multigrade teaching in the classroom .
5.Challenges of Multigrade Teaching and ways to overcome them. Planning can be very time consuming. Stakeholders may have reservations about multigrade teaching. Physical conditions may be unattractive. Some classrooms are very small and overcrowded. Few materials are available for multigrade teaching. Isolation of teachers may lead to frustration.
6.Challenges of Multigrade Teaching and ways to overcome them.
The curriculum
Planning for delivery
Attitude
Isolation Due to the Geographical Location
Disadvantaged Local Environment
Learners at different learning levels
Teacher frustration
The physical space
7.Teacher support for Multigrade Teaching
Self-directed professional growth or development should be encouraged by providing distance education material at resource centers.
Materials should be given to small schools.
Education officers should visit these small schools regularly, not to inspect but to advise.
Teachers who have taught at multigrade schools should be considered for promotion.
8.Teacher support for Multigrade Teaching
Community Support
The school is part of the community and the school is established to serve the children of the community. Some parents in the community may not have had much schooling, but they have experience, and many have skills that can be relevant to the school curriculum.
9.Teacher support for Multigrade Teaching
Organize parent-teacher meetings (PTM).
Discuss with the community when and how it can help.
Establish good relationships and be willing to cooperate with parents and the entire community.
Ask the community to identify the parents who are capable and willing to help.
Recognize that parents have their own work. Do not always expect them to be available when you need them. Plan ahead. Develop a good communication system. Remind those who promised to help.
Always make arrangements in advance if you need the community’s help.
Allow parents to have access to the school facilities. For example, they may want to use the school for a meeting or to hold church services.
Show appreciation and encouragement. Always thank parents for their help.
10.Teacher support for Multigrade Teaching
Resources
adequate classroom space,
portable chalkboard,
printed materials,
classroom library or reading corner,
electronic resources, and
other instructional resources.
Space
Multigrade teaching requires spacious classrooms so that learners can move and interact freely without disturbing one another. The classroom should be protected from wind and rain. When the weather is suitable, learners can also be taught outside the classroom.