factors important in causing mixed ability

[Anna]

When thinking about mixed ability groups and the process each kid has when learning a foreign language I think the most important is motivation. That is difficult for a kid but I think it is essential...like 'if there is a will, there is a way'..aptitude would be the second as I truly believe there are kids with a natural talent to learn languages. Attitude towards the process of learning would be third, always finding new ways to improve what we already know. Learning style is important but I guess that everyone needs to choose the one that works for him/her and of course, it is never the same for everybody. Difficult thing to work out when you are in a class of 35 students and they all have different needs! Finally previous exposure, you might have students who have always studied English and don't know how to produce a correct paragraph and other that can do it after a couple months.