National Institute of Education has said multi-grade teaching will be introduced to more schools next year. Multi-grade teaching was introduced in Maldives recently, with the system being applied in over 40 schools across the country.
The Ministry of Education introduced Multi-grade teaching under its objective to further expand and strengthen the education sector of Maldives, aimed at increasing capacity and capability of students. Under the multi-grade teaching mechanism, schools with small number of students will integrate classes of different grades and create modules to accommodate teaching of all students together. This will also promote inclusive education, which is also a priority policy of the Education Ministry.
The concept of multi-grade teaching is practiced in many developing countries to overcome challenges faced when only few students are in a class, making it less feasible for teachers as well as students involved. Lack of students will make it not only difficult for teachers to conduct necessary components of teaching but also affect the interest of students involved.
Education Ministry said multi-grade teaching was introduced in such schools to addresses the obstacles faced by teachers and students. Multi-grade teaching is incorporated into the education system in Maldives as part of all key stages mentioned in the new educational curriculum of the country. This means grades one, two and three in Key stage one will be conducted together while grades four and five in Key stage 2 will be taught together.
Speaking to PSM News, head of National Institute of Education's School of Research and Development, Aniyath Ali said schools in which multi-grade teaching will be introduced next year will be decided once enrolment of the next academic year is finalised.
Classes in each key stage of the national curriculum are integrated through multi-grade system, if there are less than 20 students in any given class, according to the institute. The system is economically viable, and provides many benefits for management of small schools. It enables schools with less facilities and human resources to facilitate for students more conveniently.