Analysis On The Management Mode Of Mixed-age Classes In Kindergartens

Nowadays,the development of basic education is arousing increasing concern and researchers begin to focus on a special form of kindergarten class--mixed-age class.Mixed-age class refers to the class in which the age gap among children is bigger than one year(12 months)and they study and live together in the same space.Preschool education lays the foundation for the growth of a child and is therefore essential.The kindergartens and childcare centers in developed countries,as well as in many large cities in China generally adopt the mixed-age mode.Despite the prevailing practice of mixed-age classes,there are few systematic research and findings on the management of mixed-age classes.This study,based on the kindergarten where the author works,applies the approaches of surveys,observation and interviews to obtain data of mixed-age classes management,teachers’ routines,and parents’ feedback.This study also investigates the advantages and disadvantages of this mode by literature analysis and action research and tries to propose suggestions for improvement.The results show that class D has the following problems in class management:managers lack professional management knowledge and experience;departments fail to summarize and reflect on problems in time;parents and society do not play a role in mixed-age class management.The main reasons for the above problems are as the following:kindergartens do not know enough about the characteristics of mixed-age classes;teachers lack pre-job training and in-service training and do not reflect and feedback during their work;parents and society do not support mixed-age classes.In view of the above problems and the analysis of the reasons,the following suggestions for improvement are put forward:adequate preparations are supposed to be made before the start of the class;the needs of parents and teachers should be understood and the future direction of class management should be in discussion with the teachers in charge of the class.In the process of class management,teachers,as the main managers,should timely review and reflect on the problems in class management and seek the strength of all parties to solve problems together.Through long-term practice,a set of scientific and practical evaluation system of mixed-age teachers’ work and early childhood development is needed to be established,which is not only the test of performance,but also the guidance for performance.