Teaching students in a mix-ability classes.

Teaching students in a mix-ability classes.

Сомова Н. В. учитель английского языка

                                                               МОАУ СОШ 5 Благовещенск,

Most classes have learners with varying skill levels. The same learner may be proficient in one skill area ,but need significant instruction in another. A multi-level class can prove challenging for instructors as they strive to meet individual learner needs, while still creating a sense of class community. The following five models provide some options for managing a multi-level ABE class. Each model has advantages and disadvantages

Model : Learning Stations

Learning stations are tables set up with different activities, either within the classroom or in another nearby location. Each station focuses on a specific skill or ability level or content area, and each table is furnished with written directions as well as the necessary equipment and materials for completing the task. One or more students may work at each station at the same time while the instructor circulates among the stations to monitor and assist students. The example below represents 4 learning stations. This approach could just as easily be used for different skill areas.

Station 1. Language art reading.     Station 2. View a video    Station 3. Working with National Exam

Station 4 Essay writing.   Station 5. Listening to an audio tape   Station 6. Use building blocks or other manipulatives.

Advantages   Learning Stations:

• Give students a choice of activities;
• Offer a change of routine;
• Give students the option of working alone or with others; and
• Offer a novel way to reinforce skills previously taught                                             

Disadvantages    Learning Stations:

• Require extensive preparation, materials, and space;
• Require self-motivated learners; and
• May not be used to introduce new material

Model   Divide and Conquer.

Disadvantages   The "Divide and Conquer" approach presents challenges because:

• It requires extensive preparation;
• Meaningful student-directed activities must be devised;
• It requires a large space; and
• It may publicly identify the skill levels of learners                   

 Advantages  The "Divide and Conquer" approach provides:

• Level-specific instruction;
• Teacher-student interaction; and self-paced study for learners

Whole class activities.(opening)

1.Teacher directed instruction (teacher presents new material)     2.Student directed instruction  (students work individually or in small groups on activities related to new material)  

1.Student-directed activities (students work individually or in small   groups    on previously taught material)   2.Teacher directed instruction (teacher reviews group work and provides feedback)

Whole class activities (closure).

                                     Model:  Flexible Groupings

This strategy allows the instructor to vary groups and activities to suit different lesson objectives.

Teacher-led whole class activities are appropriate when: Presenting new materials, Reviewing previously taught materials, and Administering tests.

Small groups are good for: Brainstorming (before a reading or writing assignment), Problem solving, and Project work.

Pairs may work together to: Do research, Conduct interviews, and Quiz each other.

The divided class works best for: Debates, Competitions, and Presentations.

Advantages Using Flexible Grouping.  Challenges students, and appeals to a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

Disadvantages Using Flexible Grouping    Grouping can pose problems because: Instructional materials must suit different skill levels, The teacher does a lot of planning, The class may not develop a sense of unity, Systematic presentation of content may be difficult,

Model  Learning Tables

Learning Tables differ from Learning Stations in that they are permanent groupings. The instructor acts as lead teacher, coordinating two or more groups of learners that meet each class period with a teaching aid or volunteer who serves as group leader. The group leader may conduct group activities but primarily teaches and assists students individually, thus combining group and individualized instruction. The instructor, or lead teacher, floats from group to group, monitoring the process, assisting the group leaders, handling intake of new learners (in an open-entry program), conducting learner interviews, and administering tests.

Instructor

Table1 students and group leader  Table2 students and group leader   Table3 students and group leader                                                    

Advantages    Learning Tables: Allow individualized instruction in a large multi-level class; Provide some group interaction; and Free the instructor, allowing time for student interviews and assessments.

Disadvantages    Learning Tables: Require availability of aides or volunteers; May be noisy and distracting; and Require a large space.
So all these methods as well as others can be used to motivate all students in an a  mixed ability classes.