Teaching Disparate Levels

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Disparate Level Classes All classes have mixed abilities : –Education backgrounds –Language levels –Pace of learning

Teaching All or Some With disparate level classes, there are 3 approaches you can take: 1.Target the majority of students 2.Target the extremes 3.Mix the approach

Teaching strategies Split class: equal ability Split class: mixed ability Homework Self correction Thematic approach

How do you organise class Whole group Group Pair Individual

How do you organise class How do we encourage a feeling of unity in a class of disparate learners? What is the best way to group learners? Positive classroom dynamics appear to be even more important in the teaching of disparate groups than in teaching other groups The concept of developing classroom dynamics and membership of a group can be a basis for language learning Groupings need to be flexible and diverse Some learners are enthusiastic about working with others

How do you organise class Do whole class activities about language learning strategies to foster group cohesion Include whole class activities at least once each lesson Change the seating arrangements on a regular basis Look for unstructured opportunities for learners to get to know each other Encourage a notion of competing against oneself rather than each other

How do you organise class Take time to encourage collaboration Pair stronger students with weaker ones Set aside part of the class time for ‘contract’ work

Advantages and disadvantages of disparate level classes Students become independent learners The stronger students improve their communication skills Increase confidence and language ability Students work in groups/team work

Activities / Resources Cross CSWE mapping 1.VILC 2.Australian Human rights Commission & AMES 2009 It’s your right! Human rights: everyone, everywhere, everyday Resource Kit –Level1 workbook, illustrated reader, audio CD (CSWE 1 & 2) –Level2 workbook, DVD and audio CD (CSWE 2 & 3) 3.Metropolitan Ambulance Service & AMES The Ambulance Service and You Resource Kit –Level 1 workbook, illustrated reader audio CD –Level 2 workbook, DVD and audio CD (CSWE 2 & 3) 4.Maggie Power, Carmel Davies 1996 More Pictures to words Oxford University Press 5.Carmel Everitt 2007 Living for Tomorrow, a practical approach to the environment for new arrivals –DVD, workbook, audio CD (CSWE 1 & 2)

References Kristine Brown Teaching disparate learner groups NCELTR ment_collection/Teaching_Disparate_learner.pdfhttp:// ment_collection/Teaching_Disparate_learner.pdf chers_Voices_2.pdfhttp:// chers_Voices_2.pdf