Upbringing, education and supervision in groups are one of the most important ways of early childhood socialisation. The work combines central aspects of group psychology with such of developmental psychology, so that these can be used in early childhood education. An excurse into history demonstrates that supervision in groups doesn?t follow evolutionary principles, but originated in economic and fiscal needs and has always been disputed.Questions on advantages and disadvantages of learning in groups, on group structures and leading of groups in the field of early education as well as risks of groups lie at the centre of the work. The areas heterogeneity and multiculturalism, which are of increasing importance, are analysed in depth.

Prof. Dollase teaches psychology at the university of Bielefeld.