PROBLEMS OF MULTIGRADE TEACHING AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF ODISHA

This study focuses on examining the views of teachers and the problems of children about Multigrade teaching. The investigator used purposive sampling and selected five primary teachers in Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district of Odisha. A descriptive survey method with qualitative approaches was employed for sixty respondents from teachers and students. For data collection, the investigator used various tools and techniques such as self-made questionnaires for teachers and focus group discussions for students. Data was analyzed and interpreted using percentage analysis and qualitative technique of thick description.The findings revealed that the physical environment of classrooms was not well equipped. Teachers reported that they had to face lots of problems to handle multiple grade classes and 75% of teachers viewed that they had to take more than three classes simultaneously. It is therefore recommended that schools and mass education must recruit teachers in primary schools to enhance qualitative improvement in primary level and to reduce teacher scarcity.