The Impact of Multiage Classroom Environments on Student Social Behaviors at a Selected Elementary School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of multiage classroom environments on student's social behaviors. The sample consisted of 22 students who were randomly selected from a multiage classroom. Of the 22 students, 11 of the students were male and 11 were female. The data collection instruments used for this study consisted of two surveys created by the researcher. The first survey focused on how the students perceived the classroom environment. The second survey focused on students social skills. Observations and interviews were also used in order to substantiate both of the surveys given to the students. Results revealed that classroom environments can have an impact on student's social behavior, and that social behaviors are extremely important during the early elementary years. Students can be positively impacted by learning with students of different ages around them, and learning in an environment that best fits them. Results suggest that learning can be accomplished in many different ways and that teachers need to be open to differentiating instruction for all of their many diverse students.