Challenges in Mixed Ability Classes and Strategies Utilized by ELI Teachers to Cope with Them

Abstract

Mixed-ability classes have been found to be one of the greatest detriments to students learning at English language institutions (ELIs). There has been a growing concern over the impacts of the mixed-ability classes calling for a study aimed at suggesting solutions for this situation. This study involves thirty-three female EFL teachers who work in an English language institute (ELI) and their feedback was obtained via questionnaires which were distributed online. The questionnaires addressed this issue on various levels following categories such as teaching and learning, materials, motivation and class management practices. The results indicated that the frequency of the cases of challenges in the teaching of mixed-ability classes was high and thus requiring appropriate solutions. Class management and differentiation strategies were found to be the most effective in mitigating the adverse effects which mixed-learning abilities have on learning successes. The effectiveness of the strategies used had no relation whatsoever to the level of experience of the teachers. Strategies that seem to work best were those that focused on the students or what is referred to as student-centered approach.