All elementary schools should introduce five fundamental concepts to help students develop greater insight into human diversity. Students must comprehend the significance of individuality and group identity, learn the difference between subjective and objective culture, appreciate people's similarities and differences, understand multiple…

Recent research supports Vygotsky's "zone of proximal development" theory; children receiving peer assistance can stretch their learning beyond their individual accomplishment. A study of a multiage classroom revealed three strategies used by children working together to solve math problems--modeling, tutoring, and pairing/sharing…

Recently, numerous larger schools have tried to capture the potential advantages of a wide age range in their classrooms. The nongraded organizational system recognizes and plans for varied student abilities, provides for different rates of progress, and adjusts to individual emotional and social needs. Both advantages and disadvantages are…