42 Large and mixed-ability classes

Question 1

Advice to teach larger classes (30+)

Answer 1

• Teacher must be very organized
• T gives clear instructions and checks them
• T makes clear when moving from one stage to another
• T establish clear routines for the class
• T maximizes the pairwork and groupwork
• T can use choral repetition, dividing the class into two or three groups

Question 2

Advice to mixed-ability classes

Answer 2

• Differentiation (teaching different students in a different way, offering different materials or activities according to their abilities)
• T can put SS in ability groups so the stronger ones can work with the weaker ones
• T can give the students the same task but expect different responses
• T respond to each individual student in a way that is appropriate for them (different CORRECTION and PRAISE)
• T must have material ready for students who finish early, and remember that the weaker students need more help, not less
• THE MOST IMPORTANT: INCLUDE LEARNER TRAINING (students take responsibility for their own learning).