Multiage Education as an Alternative to the Mcdonaldization of Schools Applying Ritzer's Sociological Framework to Modern Education

This article explores the development of modern schooling through the lens of Ritzer's (2004) theories of McDonaldization. Many aspects of society are becoming like fast food restaurants in an effort to become more efficient, calculable, and predictable. However, an over reliance on such characteristics can create a system of education that allows for less differentiation and decision-making on the part of instructors and creates a dehumanizing atmosphere for students. Multiage models of instruction are discussed as an alternative to the McDonaldization of education. Teachers may turn to multiage education as a more naturalistic and humanizing way to scaffold students' learning.