Teaching English Language in Mixed Ability Classes The

Teaching English Language in Mixed Ability Classes The Challenge of Heterogeneous Classes Marica Romano 1

Table of Contents Ø Introduction Ø What is a mixed ability class? Ø Main problems in mixed ability classes Ø How to cope with problems: some theoretical contributions Ø From theory to practice: evidence from my training practice Ø Conclusions Ø Bibliography 2

What is a mixed ability class? It is a class of learners who display a number of differences in their… q Language and cultural background q Language learning ability q Learning speed q Learning style q Attitude towards subject matter q Personality features (self-confidence, interests, motivation) 3

What are the main problems in a mixed ability class? … Differences make it more difficult for teachers to: q Select or design suitable materials for everyone (high achievers, average students and weak students) q Provide each student with effective learning tasks q Get all the students involved and motivated q Keep discipline 4

How can teachers cope with … Some theoretical contributions suggest that teachers should: q Appeal to all senses, different learning styles and intelligences ü Theory on Learning Styles and Language Learning Strategies ü Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences q Help students create their own Portfolio to record individual progress ü Common European Framework of Reference for Languages q Promote students’ cooperation and enhance social skills ü Cooperative Learning ü Communicative Language Teaching Approach ü Terrell and Krashen’s Natural Approach 5

What proved successful in my teaching practice? q Flexible class management (individual, pair and group work, different types of grouping) q Clear instructions (also using non-verbal language and students’ mother tongue) q Setting different objectives according to students’ different starting levels q Supplemental, suitable materials (vs. course books designed for an ideal homogenous classroom environment) q Open-ended tasks (vs. questions with only one correct answer) q Individual tasks and extension activities for high achievers 6