Social Interaction in a Multiage, Single-Grade Classroom

Abstract

Social interaction in a typical multiage first grade Brazilian classroom was examined with the aim of determining the extent of age segregation and the nature of cross-age interaction in such a mixed-age setting. The 12 older and the 12 younger children in the classroom were videotaped during academic activities. Dyadic contacts were analysed with respect to sex and age group of initiator and receiver as well as for content of the interaction. Older children preferred to interact with agemates and were selected as peers more frequently than younger children. Girls were less age-segregated than boys, and young boys were the most isolated group in the classroom. Cross-age interactions showed different patterns among boys and girls. The need for further research is stressed to assess the effects of such a social structure on the school adjustment of the young boys.