Lesson 1 what is multi-grade classes?

Summary

In this video, Rodinia Mazanilio Fajardo, an instructor in multi-grade education, explains the principles, challenges, and advantages of teaching multi-grade classrooms. The video covers the structure of multi-grade classes, where multiple grade levels are taught in one room, often in remote areas. It discusses the difficulties teachers face, including increased planning, stress, and limited resources, while also highlighting the benefits, such as improved learning outcomes and mastery of concepts. The video also addresses special hardship allowances for multi-grade teachers and provides recommendations for successful teaching practices in these settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Multi-grade classrooms consist of two or more grade levels taught by one teacher in a single classroom.
• 😀 These classrooms are often found in remote or rural areas where student populations are low and transportation is challenging.
• 😀 Terms like multi-age, mixed-age, and vertical grouping all refer to the same concept as multi-grade education.
• 😀 The primary reason for multi-grade classrooms is logistical, especially due to declining or uneven student enrollments.
• 😀 Teaching multi-grade classes can be more difficult than single-grade classes due to the increased workload and need for extra planning.
• 😀 Teachers in multi-grade classrooms often focus on basic subjects like reading, writing, and math, sometimes neglecting other subjects like science and social studies.
• 😀 Multi-grade teaching can lead to negative impacts on teachers' motivation, stress, and instructional effectiveness if not managed well.
• 😀 Teachers in multi-grade classrooms are eligible for a Special Hardship Allowance, which can be up to 25% of their basic pay depending on the number of grade levels they teach.
• 😀 The Special Hardship Allowance is paid quarterly and requires supporting documents like school forms, time records, and an accomplishment report.
• 😀 Multi-grade classrooms offer benefits such as enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration among students of different ages and grades.
• 😀 While multi-grade classrooms can have some challenges such as lack of resources and planning, they can still deliver similar academic achievements as single-grade classrooms.

Q & A

What is multi-grade education?

Multi-grade education refers to a teaching system where two or more different grade levels are taught in a single classroom by one teacher throughout the school year.

What are some alternative labels for multi-grade education?

Some alternative labels for multi-grade education include multi-age, mixed age, vertical grouping, combination, composite, double grade, split grade, dual age, and non-graded.

Why are multi-grade classrooms usually found in remote areas?

Multi-grade classrooms are typically located in remote areas due to limited student populations, which make it challenging to have single-grade classrooms. These areas often lack easy access to transportation.

What is the difference between combination multi-grade classes and pedagogic multi-grade classes?

In combination multi-grade classes, one teacher teaches multiple grade levels in the same classroom. In pedagogic multi-grade classes, multiple teachers are involved, each responsible for different grade levels within the same classroom.

What are some challenges associated with teaching multi-grade classes?

Teaching multi-grade classes can be difficult because it requires more planning and effort from teachers. It may lead to decreased instructional time, and teachers often focus more on basic skills like reading, writing, and mathematics at the expense of other subjects.

What is a special hardship allowance for teachers in multi-grade classrooms?

Teachers working in multi-grade classrooms are eligible for a special hardship allowance, which is up to 25% of their basic pay. This allowance compensates for the extra difficulty and workload associated with multi-grade teaching.

How is the special hardship allowance calculated?

The special hardship allowance is based on the number of grades a teacher is handling. For example, if a teacher is teaching two grades, they receive 15% of their basic pay. This amount is paid quarterly, and supporting documents are required to claim it.

What are the advantages of multi-grade classrooms?

Multi-grade classrooms can improve learning by promoting problem-solving, critical thinking, and earlier development of learning methods. They also provide students with more exposure to different grade levels, helping them master lessons more effectively.

What are some disadvantages of multi-grade classrooms?

Disadvantages of multi-grade classrooms include inadequate resources, poor school profiles due to teacher irregularities and ill planning, and potentially negative effects on teachers' motivation. These classrooms can also suffer from diminished academic achievement in subjects other than the basic skills.

What recommendations are given for successfully teaching in multi-grade classrooms?

It is recommended that teachers focus on providing high-quality learning methods, use team teaching, offer diagnostic opportunities, and ensure that instructional support and teacher development are in place. Teachers should also engage students with alternative learning methods like group work.