Teaching and learning in age-homogeneous groups versus mixed-age groups in the preschool – the Swedish example

The purpose of the study is to investigate how kindergarten teachers in Sweden implement and adapt the curriculum when working with age-homogeneous and mixed-aged groups The research questions are: 1) How do kindergarten teachers express that the curriculum is implemented in and adapted to age-homogeneous and mixed-aged groups? 2) What teaching strategies are used in the different age groups?

The results show that kindergarten teachers use both similar and different teaching strategies across the various age groups, meaning that the curriculum is implemented and adapted in different ways. Teaching and learning activities in the age-homogeneous groups appear to be more structured and planned, while teaching in the mixed-age groups is more spontaneous and integrated into the daily activities.

The data was collected through group interviews with kindergarten teachers. A total of 19 kindergarten teachers from four different kindergartens were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study was based on a socio-cultural understanding of learning.

Magnusson, L. O., & Bäckman, K. (2022). Teaching and learning in age-homogeneous groups versus mixed-age groups in the preschool – the Swedish example. Cogent Education, 9(1).