Off the Mark by Mark Parisi for May 12, 2020

I remember my folks’ generation reminiscing about their ‘country school’ where one teacher taught students of all ages at the same time in the same room. They said that it was the best learning experience ever because everyone listened to all the lessons, older students helped younger ones, and students could pretty much proceed at their own pace. I’m sure those reminiscinses were idealized but there are some important concepts consider: small size — country schools had fewer pupils than one normal US classroom; children all knew each other and were often related; parents generally supported the teacher (she/he often boarded with each family in turn); by helping others learn, students often help themselves understand the material better; and, when students can learn at their own pace (not the pace induced by age), they don’t get as bored and there are fewer stigmas attached to their learning ability.