What are the advantages and disadvantages of combined classrooms?

When I began my volunteer teaching experience I was immersed in both combined and single grade classrooms. It wasn’t until I began the B.Ed program that I really started to question the purpose of each setting. I presented other teachers with my thoughts and have been been given many helpful replies. These interactions have been quite intriguing, convincing me that this is indeed a topic that is far more relevant to us as teachers, students, and parents than I previously thought.

I am certain that I will teach in a combined classroom (CC) early on in my career. Knowing this fact has inspired me to answer some of my own questions as early as possible. Some of my these would be:

• How does a teacher address the needs of a struggling student in the lower grade of the CC and the needs of a gifted grade student in the higher grade of the CC? The spectrum of capability in a combined class is too large to addressed in a “one size fits all” way.

• How does a teacher present the curriculum inclusively without breaking up students for separate lessons or activity times? I believe CC’s should foster an atmosphere of harmony and inclusiveness. Breaking up students for separate teaching or activities would defeat the purpose of a CC.

• Are combined classrooms done to satisfy enrollment purposes or because they bring an increase in academic success in students? There is undoubtedly an element of financial consideration that comes into play when building classes, hiring staff, and meeting budget goals. How much do finances influence the student population of a classroom?

• How can I properly teach the Province’s Prescribed Learning outcomes to a combined class? While the PLO’s between succeeding grade levels can be quite similar, there are differences in a Kindergarten curriculum and a Grade One curriculum for example.

My subsequent research will address these questions and more. As I progress through my practicum and into my first years of teaching I hope I can continue to learn about this topic as it is relevant to our Canadian school system as a whole.