Organizing For Learning

Grades are an administrative device to group children according to

their chronological age. In the past, this type of organization was based on
the belief that patterns of development were tightly bound to a child's chronological
age.We know that each child's pattern of development is unique. All nine-yearoldsdo not function at the same level and are not ready for the same skills
or concepts to be presented to them.There is little difference between a so-called
'straight grade' and a 'combinedclass'. All the students in a straight grade do not
receive the same program; nor do the students in a combined class. Teachers
develop programs according tothe needs of the children in the class. Remove the
grade label and all classeshave the traits, traditions and organization of combined
classes.
What is a Combined Class?
A 'combined class' is composed of a group of students from two separate
gradeswho work within one classroom setting. Students are combined into
groupsaccording to their individual needs rather than grade levels, when
working onspecific skills. The curriculum is arranged so that students may study the
sameor similar materials.
What is the difference between a 'combined class' and a 'split class'?
In a 'split class' part of the class will often do seat work while the other part of
theclass is receiving direct instruction. In a 'combined class' instructional
groupsmay include a combination of the two classes and will be made up on the
basisof individual student needs. Combined classes have operated throughout
schoolsystems for many years.
Why do combined classes exist?
Combined classes are a result of imbalances in student numbers at particular grade
levels. Staff is based on funding guidelines established by AlbertaEducation, and
student teacher ratios established by our School District.
How are students selected for a 'combined class' placement?
Many factors are taken into consideration when selecting students for acombined
class. The decision is often made by a team of teachers and
theadministration. Selection is bases on such factors as: social skill
development,independence in work habits, friendships, leadership skills, selfmotivation,learning styles of the learner, teaching style of the teacher,
organizational ability,and academic achievement.
Are there any benefits to a 'combined class' placement?

There are many socio-emotional benefits to be gained by having students of various

ages together. Peer interactions are often seen to be more positive in'combined
class' setting. There is greater development of social skills
and morecooperation. Students develop a feeling of comfort and security, a positive
self-concept and satisfaction with their achievements.
Are they any disadvantages to a 'combined class'?
No. In all classrooms teachers provide for the individual needs of students.Teachers
constantly use a variety of methods to access the needs of eachstudent and then
the focus for skill development is adjusted accordingly.
Will the teacher have as much time for each child in 'combined classes'?
The amount of time for an individual student is determined by the number
of students in the class, not by the grade structure. Generally, combined classesare
the same size as other classes or smaller.
Will a student miss or repeat curriculum material?
Today the emphasis is on skills, concepts, processes and attitudes rather
thanmemorizing facts. Because of the rapid changes in science and technology
inour society, it is more important to learn how to learn, to evaluate and judge,
totransfer and apply knowledge, to understand processes and to know how toaccess
information. The curriculum is the means through which these skills
arelearned. Students at many levels study similar subjects. The topic may
be thesame, butthe depth, focus and evaluation of knowledge are different. Our
experience has been that parents who were anxious about a combined
classplacement not only have been satisfied with their child's progress, but
havebecome positive supporters of this type of classroom organization.
Teaching in a Combined Class
Combined classes are used when the number of the pupils in two grades isless than
16. One of the characteristics of a combined class is that pupils indifferent levels
learn in the same classroom simultaneously under the direct or indirect guidance by
the teacher. As the children have to study autonomouslywhen the other grade is
being taught, it is necessary for them to learn how tolearn. I think that teachers
should teach how to learn on as many differentoccasions as possible from the early
stages of school so that pupils will bedisciplined in it.Another teaching technique in
a combined class is where the teacher movesbetween the two groups enabling the
teacher to give constructive suggestions topupils in both groups.In a combined
class, the teacher will oftentrain one pupil as group leader tohelp with classroom
activities such as reading aloud, individual study, groupdiscussion, and using the
blackboard, video or computers.When the teacher switches to indirect
teaching,clear instructions need to begiven for the following activity, including the

content, materials and a flowcharteither on the blackboard or on a handout, so that

the pupils will be able to workunguided until the teacher returns.
Application to the ordinary class teaching
Teaching methods for combined classes can also be used in single gradeclasses.For
the last century the Japanese education system has used the doctrine thatevery
child will understand if teachers teach in such a way. However in anordinary class
not everyone will learn at the same pace. As a result, many pupilsare being left
behind. With this in mind, recent trends in education have called for teachers to
focus on the individual and plan classes for different levels of interestand learning
abilities. Therefore by applying the principle of a combined class (having two
different

learning groups in one classroom), more help for slower pupils or those gettingleft
behind can be expected. Furthermore, use can be made of individual ideas on how
to proceed in class when making the teaching plan as would be done in acombined
class. In other words the teaching methods for combined classes arethe basis for
those for ordinary classes with pupils of varying abilities, when givingindividual
instruction or when carrying out problem solving exercises.
The challenge for the teacher training department
To train teachers who understand the principles of teaching combined
classescourses on the subject need to be introduced.From next semester I will
beincorporating some of my research into combined classes in my lectures
andhopefully we will one day be able to start a fully fledged course.