Multi-grade school and collaborative work for the development of competencies in primary education
Keywords:
Multigrade school, collaborative work, meaningful learning, competency development, primary educationAbstract
Multi-grade schools face pedagogical challenges that require innovative strategies to optimize learning. This study analyzes the impact of collaborative work on competency development in a multi-grade, three-teacher primary education setting in the rural context of the state of Hidalgo, with geographical dispersion, which represents a challenge for the organization of teaching work. A qualitative approach was used with participant observation and analysis of classroom records. Strategies such as peer tutoring, peer learning, and teamwork were implemented, evaluating their effectiveness in a multi-grade setting. The results show that collaborative work enhances knowledge construction and the development of skills and competencies, such as communication, autonomy, and problem-solving. It was observed that older students strengthen their learning by supporting younger students, while the latter gain greater confidence and security. Furthermore, collaboration improves school coexistence and fosters inclusive learning. In conclusion, collaborative work is key in multi-grade schools to strengthen learning and the comprehensive development of students. It is recommended to continue exploring teaching strategies and strengthening teacher training to maximize their impact.
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