Jahrgangsübergreifender Mathematikunterricht an Waldorfschulen der Klassen 1 bis 5

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted in the field of inter-year classes in Waldorf/Rudolf Steiner Schools with a special focus on instruction of mathematics. The teachers view on preconditions in school, requirements for learning, and the possibilities for remedial teaching were analysed regarding the question how to implement Waldorf education in this setting. The study results show that although the schools have different concepts of instruc-tion, the primary considerations about teaching are very similar. Teachers support the team teaching and the concept of inter-year classes and identify Waldorf education and the children’s ability for autonomous working as essential for success. Focussing on the instruction of mathematics however a separation is to be noticed: only some teachers consider the teaching as successful and complain about higher workload. To be mentioned is the study group “inter-year classes” of the Association of Waldorf Schools (Bund der Freien Waldorfschulen), which promotes networking, collaboration and exchange between the different schools implementing this concept.