A mixed ability class is a class which has students with different English language levels – some may be high intermediate while others could be pre-intermediate.
Mixed ability classes are a reality in the EFL world. They can be tricky to handle – but it’s nothing us TEFL teachers can’t handle!
There are a few strategies you can use to teach mixed ability classes:
- Group higher level learners together, and lower level learners together
- Group higher and lower level learners together
- Compile a folder of extra (more challenging) activities for faster learners
- Compile folder of extra activities for lower level learners to take home
These are just a few ideas, and which strategy you choose depends on the nature of the lesson aim and activity.
Teaching mixed ability classes can be daunting, but if you allow for it in your planning, you’ll find it manageable.
Read more: 5 Effective Strategies For Teaching Mixed Ability EFL Classes