TEFL Novokuznetsk

Classes of mixed ability seem to be a big issue in the interview sections of schools. I have only had two interviews, yet, it seems that it is the issue the school districts want to talk about. That is why I have discussed this in this essay. Mixed ability is something unusual, at least in the American school district. However, I do agree with the point that, “All classes are mixed ability to one extent or another.” (http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/adapting-materials-mixed-ability-classes). Some students may have a great ability to understand the language more than another, even though they may be in the same grade level. That is why in this essay I want to focus on teaching students that can range from beginner to intermediate to advanced leveled students. The point of my essay will be to write out the pros, cons, teaching ideas, and how to solve the problems that can be associated with teaching a mixed class. The first thing I want to talk about is a combination of teaching ideas and the benefit of having a mixed class. This was the first thing I was told to do when it came to mixed students. The primary technique, from discussion with teachers, is to have the more knowledgeable students teach those who may be less knowledgeable. That is what was also suggested in Unit 20. What I love about this idea is that it allows more student to student interaction. This is important when one considers the best form for learning is teaching. That is what I have been told by Dr. and Mrs. Sanders. Therefore, it allows the more advanced student to practice with the less advanced. It also helps with confidence. They are encouraged, in a way, to continue in their education because it is going somewhere. Now, as I have read about other techniques is that I constantly find is that a teacher can easily adapt their lesson plan to fit multiple levels. An example I found is student told her class to write letters talking about themselves. What was interesting about this is it was a simple activity that the whole of the class was able to participate in. More advanced students were able to use as much english as possible, while the less advanced were able to use the language they knew as well. She also helped the less advanced students by giving them suggestions, “What is their pet’s name? What is their favorite food?” (http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Salli-Copur-MixedAbility.html) The reason why I am talking about the above lesson plan is that as I read about mixed level classes, the one thing I am learning is this: you can make your job a whole lot easier if you can use the same lesson but expand or make it easier. An example that I can think of for this is using the theme of transportation to teach punctuation. The more advanced students would learn about exclamation points, semi-colons, and quotes. The beginning students could be introduced to commas and question marks. Both the study and activate stages, if done properly, can be the same, only one not advanced as the other, making the teacher’s job easier. From what I can tell from looking at mixed classes is this: combine them. Mixed classes can be a blessing because they can allow for a more interesting student dynamic. They can present some issues, but not as bad as I thought. Writing this essay has allowed me to have an easier view of this subject because it all honesty, the biggest challenge I thought I was going to have this one. I have learned through thinking about the material that this is nothing to be afraid of but can be fun if I allow it to.