Marica Romano1 Teaching English Language in Mixed Ability Classes The Challenge of Heterogeneous Classes

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

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

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

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

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