🐴 Mixed-age learning takes off (#131)

Multi-Age Learning Enters the Mainstream. Plus: A look at how mixing ages creates magic (and why separating them was a military idea in the first place).

Author

Charlie Deist
February 10, 2025

In today’s edition:

  • 💭 The one other place we force age segregation

  • 📈 Mixed-age learning moves from alternative to mainstream

  • 🎮 SpaceX's mixed-age learning experiment goes global

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💡 THOUGHT

"When in the real world do you only interact with people your age? I can't think of one scenario other than school."

Ana Lorena Fabrega (@anafabrega11)

Actually, we can only think of one other scenario – but we have to go back to 19th-century Prussian military camps (where modern schools got the idea).

📊 TREND

Mixed-Age Learning Goes Mainstream

Mixed-age learning used to be the domain of alternative schools like Montessori and Waldorf.

But according to Rasmussen, even traditional public schools are adopting multi-age classrooms. Why?

  • Students show stronger social-emotional development

  • Younger learners progress faster with older peers

  • Older students deepen mastery through teaching

Tear 👏 down 👏 those 👏 walls 👏 

🔨 TOOL

Mixed-Age Learning, SpaceX Style

Synthesis Teams, born in SpaceX's own Ad Astra learning lab, has taken their successful mixed-age learning model global.

Kids ages 8-14 collaborate in teams to tackle complex challenges – from designing intergalactic colonies to managing ancient Greek city-states.

What's included:

  • Live sessions with expert coaches

  • Players from 50+ countries

  • Complex problem-solving games

  • $95/month (30-day free trial)

The next cohort starts February 17th, with limited spots available. They offer flexible scheduling across time zones, making it easy to fit into your routine.

Start with their 30-day free trial and let us know if you’re giving it a try.

That’s all for today!

– Charlie (the OpenEd newsletter guy)

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