Differentiation in an Australian Multigrade Classroom

In a multigrade classroom, learners have very different learning needs because of the range of ages and backgrounds in the class. Teachers therefore need to know how to differentiate student learning activities to cater for this range of needs. Differentiated learning needs to be planned for learners within a grade as well as between grades. Differentiated lessons planned for one grade can be used for learners in other grades when suited to their learning needs. This chapter will first look at defining the multigrade classroom, and then at how to differentiate learning for three groups of learners: those who are working below expectation, those who are working at a level commensurate with their age expectations, and those who are working beyond expectations. Finally, examples will be given of how to differentiate individual lessons.