01/11/2016
How to deal with mixed ability class ?
Mixed ability means the set of many different kinds of learners capacities; in other words, weak and strong ones learning together in the same class. Some can learn quickly by touching , the others are good learners by moving , and so on.
The trainer introduced the Jigsaw activity which is an information gap exercise. Learners hear or read different parts of a text, then exchange information with others in order to complete a task. This activity was given in order to deal with the problems that may occur in mixed ability classes, and to know their solutions.
As usual, the trainees worked in three groups, they were given three wokrsheets (at the end of trainees book), each group reads the text given and try to summarise it. Then one from each group moves to another group and tells his colleagues what his group has summarised. At the end the whole class have ideas on the three texts without reading them all.
Teachers can use this activity when dealing with a long text; at the same time, they have mixed ability classes. It helps the learners to understand the text easily; moreover, the lesson doesn’t take much time.
The problems The solutions
Discussion and needs analysis -To have an open class discussion: (it’s the main important solution) let everyone taking part in the lesson.
Student’s self awareness -Let the learners talk (be flexible with learners).
-When correcting, not be severe with the weak, and be more severe with the strong.
Work groupings -Pair works: variety in pairing, weak/ strong.
-Group work: dividing the class focussing on the level ( stronger together / weaker – stronger together)
-Whole class mingles: learners are all involved, talking, acting ...etc
The weaker can talk to the stronger. This creates positive atmosphere in class.
Range of tasks -Different tasks for different levels.
-Having time to monitor / help weaker.
-Shared comprehension tasks: reading / researches in dictionaries for the stronger.
Extra work/ homework -Different homework for different Ss ( stronger for widen their knowledge/ for weaker to consolidate)
- Giving written production to the stronger.
Student nomination -Asking nominated questions to avoid the poor dynamic to the class.
When nominating: asking the question before giving the name of the student.
-Choosing the question according to the level of the students.
-Nominating with variety: different students, not the same ones.
Trainer stuck on the walls three papers containing three idioms: