Introduction
Education is a continuing process that requires teachers to update their professional knowledge, improve their teaching competencies, and respond to the diverse learning needs of pupils. Teachers are expected not only to possess mastery of their subject matter but also to employ appropriate instructional strategies, manage classroom activities effectively, assess learning outcomes, and provide meaningful learning experiences. These responsibilities become more demanding when teachers handle combination classes.
Combination classes, often referred to as multigrade classes in elementary education, involve teaching pupils belonging to two or more grade levels in a single classroom. This arrangement is commonly associated with schools serving relatively small or geographically dispersed communities, where organizing separate classes for every grade may be difficult. Although the arrangement provides access to education, it requires careful planning and specialized teaching approaches.
Research on Philippine multigrade classrooms identifies differentiated instruction, peer tutoring, collaborative learning, flexible classroom management, and independent learning activities as important strategies. However, teachers may also encounter challenges involving lesson preparation, insufficient learning materials, instructional time, and limited specialized training.
DOI https://zenodo.org/records/23731089