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http://dx.doi.org/10.5762/KAIS.2016.17.12.253

A study on the operation status and effective management of mixed-age classes in kindergartens  

Lee, JinWha (Department of Early Childhood Education, Pai Chai University)
Eom, Ji-Won (Korea Institute of Child Care and Education)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society / v.17, no.12, 2016 , pp. 253-261 More about this Journal
Abstract
This study discusses the effective management of mixed-ages classes in kindergarten. For the study, 300 kindergarten teachers in charge of mixed classes for regular courses completed a self-reported questionnaire through a web survey. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and presented by frequency and percentage. Mixed-ages classes had relatively fewer children than one-age classes and they were prevalent in public kindergartens and rural areas. The results were as follows. First, mixed-ages classes were induced by the small number of young children. Second, teachers managed their classes with difficulty due to the lack of supporting staff and few chances for additional teaching training. Third, teachers needed supporting human resources for their teaching and administration assistances. About 23.0% of kindergartens received assistance such as additional training, financial assistance, and consulting supervision from related institutions. The study results suggested the challenges in regulations of age ratio in mixed-ages class, additional teaching training for teachers in mixed-ages classes and replacement of mixed-ages class to same age class as the long-term plan.
Keywords
class management in Kindergarten; Kindergarten mixed-age class; kindergarten; operation status in mixed aged classes; kindergarten teachers;
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