Unit 1 - Classroom Management - Mixed-Ability Classes 8. Dis

[Luisa C.]

3. "Every group is a mixed-ability group." Do you agree with this? What are the implications of this statement for teachers?

According to my experience, I have to agree with the statement. I teach in a compulsory state school and therefore the classes to whom I teach are composed by students with very different backgrounds.
Therefore, as a teacher, I always have to bear in mind that the students in front of me have different characteristics, and a good way to try and meet their need as much as possible is to design activities that are as varied as possible.

4. Mixed ability is usually considered to be a problem. But is it? Could there be some advantages to having students of different levels and abilities in the same class?

Students in a mixed ability group can be resources one to another in peer learning. For example, in group work, it could be beneficial to have students with different learning styles to carry out the different tasks required in the activity.