Relative Age in Kindergarten: From the Perspective of Teachers

• In Event: Social-Emotional and Motivational Inputs to Success

Abstract

Relative age effects are the outcomes that are manifested when older and younger students are compared in an environment such as a classroom. Research has shown that older students have higher student achievement than younger students. This case study grouped students by their birthdays to form kindergarten classes. A qualitative method was used to determine the effects of this practice from the teachers’ perspectives. Some teachers thought that grouping kindergarteners by birthday improved teacher-student relationships, allowed for better student instruction and reduced negative student behaviors. However, other teachers felt burdened by groups of the youngest students and lamented not having older students to teach and model for their young peers.

Authors

• Kelli Dougan, Fayetteville Public Schools

• Kara Lasater, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

• John Pijanowski, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville